From the archives . . .

The following is a brief history of the beginning years of Pacem in Terris and how it has grown in size and numbers while remaining faithful to God’s original invitation :

"Create an environment where my people can come and be alone with me.”

1979 Pacem in Terris started with an invitation from God to foundress Shirley Wanchena to “create an environment where my people can come and be alone with me.” After careful prayer and discernment of God’s will for her life, Shirley Wanchena accepted God’s invitation.

1982 80 acres of forest and prairie were purchased in Isanti County, Minnesota, about an hour north of the Twin Cities.

The Cross was placed on the Prairie.

1984 Pacem in Terris was incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit organization.

1987 St. Joseph house was purchased at a silent auction from local St. Francis High School Shop class and moved to Pacem. Shirley Wanchena, along with Jeffrey (her son), his wife Susan and their 4 children moved into the house. The downstairs was used for the retreat center, greeting area, office, shower facilities and Shirley’s quarters and office.

St. Peter, St. Paul and St. Anthony hermitages were started along with the first trails.

1988 On May1st the first hermit guests were received.

1989 Two burros were donated to Pacem in Terris.

The boardwalk was constructed allowing guests a lakeside meditation spot.

On September 10th a Dedication Mass was held on the prai rie with Bishop Jerome Hanus and Bishop George Speltz officiating. Eleven priests from surrounding parishes and a few hundred guests participated in the celebration.

1991 The Star Tribune featured an article by Chuck Haga which became the inspiration for hundreds of guests to come to Pacem in Terris, and is still referenced by guests today.

20 acres of land were purchased along County 8 to further preserve the silence and solitude of the hermitage experience.

1992 Four additional hermitages were opened—St. Michael, St. Mary Magdalene, St, Therese of Lisieux and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.

Pacem in Terris received a Papal Blessing from John Paul II when Shirley Wanchena and her son Jeffrey traveled to Rome.

1993 An additional 20 acres of land along County Road 8 were purchased. A house on the property, named San Damiano, is used for staff housing.

1996 August 1 opened St. Margaret Mary, St. John the Beloved and St. Cloud hermitages.

1999 In November Our Lady of Pacem house, designed by Keith Waters was dedicated.

2000 Feb 2.The last six hermitages were blessed and opened St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Catherine of Sienna, St. Dominic, St. Clare and St. Francis.

Mark Balma, fresco artist, painted the chapel image of Jesus.

2003 Prayer Partner Ministry was established; hundreds of hermit guests promise to continue to pray for Pacem in their daily lives.

The Pacem In Terris ministry has grown to include 240 acres of woods, prairie and wet-lands. Approximately 1000 hermit guests are received annually; about half are new to Pacem. Since Shirley accepted that invitation in 1979, hundreds of people have joined in this mission through prayer, time, talent and treasure to help make Pacem in Terris what it is today.

And God continues to call His people to “Come away and be alone with Me”.

“Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build.” Psalm 127:1