History

Beginning with a Vision

40+ years of spiritual deepening…

The Christine Center existed in the vision of Sister Virginia long before it emerged on the Willard, WI property.

The Christine Center was founded as a place of retreat supported by the vision of by Sr. Virginia Barta, OSF. “We are One.” Sr. Virginia prayed for guidance and felt she was directed to a 251-acre property in Willard, Wisconsin. After an appeal for contributions to numerous religious communities across the country, Sr. Virginia was successful in raising sufficient funds, which would allow her dream to become a reality. On October 11, 1980, greeted by the splendor of a colorful fall day, Sr. Virginia, and Sr. Davina Pietz, OSF arrived at the farm property, which would become The Christine Center. Accompanying the two Sisters were a caravan of cars packed with thirteen friends, household supplies, 25 plants, and Muffin, a collie-mix canine companion. Within a few days of their arrival, the reality of the harsh Wisconsin winter began to set in. Beyond determination and a sense of resiliency, it became apparent that the Sisters’ rural skill sets were limited. The Sisters needed to begin to chop and gather wood for fuel, as well as clear parcels of land for seasonal planting and harvesting. Sr. Virginia wanted the Center to become self-sustaining; relying on the resources of what the land and labor would provide. She also knew the tasks she faced were larger than she and Sr. Davina could accomplish on their own, and that help from willing volunteers would be needed for her vision to become a reality.

After a rain-drenched day, the Sisters’ vehicle became stuck in a muddy field, and their beloved dog, Muffin, had ran away. The loss of her dog prompted her to search and knock on the doors of neighbors. Muffin unfortunately was never found; however, the efforts put forth to locate her dog transformed neighboring strangers into new friends. These “angels” began to donate supplies and assistance for the construction of dwellings; and assisted with planting and harvesting; raising goats for milk; and bees for honey. Her hope was that the growing community would live peacefully, grow spiritually, and together promote global transformation.

A variety of circumstances necessitated that Sr. Virginia depart the Christine Center in 1992. Sr. Johanna Seubert FSPA arrived at the Center in 1987 and began to work closely with Sr. Virginia. Sr Johanna has continued to reside at the Center for 33 years, assuming a variety of administrative roles, as well as serving as a Diamond Approach teacher and spiritual guide for many retreatants.

Over the last 40 years the Christine Center has undergone a series of transformations from its earliest beginning in a humble Barn in 1980. By 1982 spaces within the barn were converted into a meditation hall, program meeting area and library. The barn’s silo became the chapel. Additionally, the first rustic hermitages were built by volunteers for the spiritual seekers who came to live, work, and meditate together.

The Center’s Program offerings continued to increase during the 1990’s. By 1999 it became apparent that the original barn could no longer accommodate the Center’s expanding vision. During the next two years a new main Center building was constructed by Amish carpenters, which would house a meditation hall with domed ceiling and skylights, kitchen, dining hall, and guest rooms. Existing rustic hermitages were renovated, six with added bathrooms and kitchenettes. The new main Center building was opened in 2001.

The number of retreatants drawn to the Center continued to increase in the early 2000’s. In 2010 the generosity of donors allowed for the creation of another wing which would house a chapel, meeting room spaces, library and private offices.

The Center programs continue to evolve to meet the needs of the times.