Hello Companions of the Divine Word
I'm starting this Blog with you in mind. "You" is anyone who attended St. Michael's Mission House or Divine Word Seminary on Hemlock Lake between the years 1924-1984.
Perhaps you were a brother candidate who attended High School at Conesus as we called this lovely quiet spiritual place.
Maybe you were a clerical or lay brother novice or a clerical scholastic studying philosophy before heading to Techny for theology.
Perhaps you were a professed brother or priest of the Society of the Divine Word and taught, gave retreats, were on the road selling O-Neh-Da altar wine or recruited young members to work in the "Lord's own vineyard".
Let me tell you why I need your help.
The Divine Word Missionaries are preparing short histories of many SVD seminaries and houses of formation in the USA. I volunteered to scour the archives at Techny and compliment "official documents" with the "voice" of those who actually lived the life as a member of the society at Conesus. That's why you have received a link to this Blog from me or got an invite from another friend or associate.
Consider St. Michael's Mission House Blog as your own sandbox or scratch pad where you can add your insights into our shared lives together.
I cannot guarantee that what you share here or with me will make it into the short history but by sharing your remembrances on this Blog, all that visit this "watering hole" will benefit from your thoughts. You might even reconnect with someone you lost touch with.
Whatever your association with the SVDs or Divine Word Missionaries at Conesus I invite you to contribute your memories about the time you spent there. Also if you want to talk with me directly I would be happy to take you through some structured questions to help elicit some of your impressions.
If you have any memorabilia or artifacts such as photos, yearbooks, newspapers, etc. that you would like to share with the community I will scan relevant items and return them to you once I've photocopied them.
Finally, please let anyone who might have something to say or provide about St. Michael's on Hemlock Lake know about this Blog.
Check back periodically since I will be posting some things that I've discovered since taking on this project. For example, two weeks ago I visited the old location and had a pleasant tour of the buildings with a representative of the new owners. My next post will include a few snaps and a few items that I learned so far.
Share with us your thoughts, remembrances, artifacts, etc. about what St. Michael's Mission House (i.e. Divine Word Seminary) on Hemlock Lake meant to you.
Peace, John M. Morgan
johnmmorgan@gmail.com
