“Pilgrims of Hope” is the title of our 2025 Holy Year.” After a brief review of the meaning of “Holy Year”, Sister Kathleen Murphy, OSF plans to spend time with us unwrapping the meaning of “Pilgrims of Hope”.

Sister Kathleen Murphy, OSF is no stranger to Branches. She has known this retreat venue since it became an inspiration in the heart of its foundress, Donna Wiend. Furthermore, she has been vice-president of its Board of Trustees since its foundation.

An educator for forty- five years in the Dioceses of Buffalo, Rochester and Ogdensburg, Sister Kathleen then became the director of St. Columban Center, a retreat house on Lake Erie. While directing the retreat center, she studied to become a spiritual director. Two years after she was certified as a spiritual director by the Haden Institute, she was hired by the same institute as a mentor and presenter educating aspiring spiritual…