Haven

Vandalism was once prevalent on the 17 acres owned by the Byzantine Poor Clares Monastery on Cady Road in North Royalton. That is, until vigilance increased and local Boy Scout troops turned their attention to restoring the property.

Sister Agnes, who has been with the monastery since it moved from Chicago more than 40 years ago, said that at one point the original cabin on the property collapsed because of vandalism.
“What was going on here in the beginning, it just wasn’t safe for anybody, but now we feel comfortably safe to let them come in and enjoy the nature and wildlife,” Sister Agnes said.
Boy Scout troops, such as St. Albert the Great’s Troop 526, use the property for activities, meetings and projects, such as rebuilding the cabin. Ron Blazak, one of the assistant scout masters of Troop 526 and district commissioner of pioneer districts, said that about four years ago they moved their summer troop meetings there because it allowed them to partake in outdoor activities.
At their June 28 meeting, the scouts were able to learn about Dutch oven cooking and reflector oven cooking.
“The beauty of Cady Road is that you can do those outdoor skills in the setting rather than trying to do them inside the church hall,” Blazak said.

Before bringing their meetings to the site, the troop had been venturing out there for year-round camping. Blazak said their Polar Bear campouts in the winter are always memorable and teach the scouts different skills.
“It’s very rewarding to see the youth that prepare for winter camping do very well, and we bring them all back without any frostbites or injuries. They have a great time,” Blazak said.
Religious groups, civic organizations, families and individuals benefit from spending time there, as well.
Sister Agnes said she sees the most joy from the inner-city kids who raised the money to allow more of their friends to come out and experience nature. In addition, blind and deaf groups have spent time on the property.
“I think it’s a haven of peace,” Sister Agnes said.
Along with the cabin is a stocked pond, picnic pavilion, barbeque and a religious pavilion that is in the process of being built by a young man for his Eagle Scout project. Sister Agnes said the pavilion will serve as a place of worship and meditation for anyone.
“I want them to feel that they can look at this structure and feel it’s a place they can worship in comfort.”
At this point, the only restrictions are on horseback riding and dirt bikes, due to safety concerns.
A nature trail runs across the land and was refurbished by the Boy Scouts. They also added park benches, per Sister Agnes’ suggestion, as senior citizens often walk on the path in lieu of venturing to the mall where they must stay indoors.
“So, everybody’s working together,” Sister Agnes said. “But it’s not too much of a problem because there’s enough space here.”
For those who are unable to give in the form of service, donations are accepted, but Sister Agnes said they are not outwardly asking for money because they are trying to share what God gave them.
If you are interested in spending any amount of time on the property, be sure to call the monastery at (440) 237-6800 for safety reasons, as police do conduct patrols.