St. Bonaventure University has renewed its longstanding partnership agreement with Mt. Irenaeus, the Franciscan mountain community in Allegany County.

“This renewed agreement reinforces the university’s commitment to providing students, faculty, staff and alumni with opportunities for spiritual growth, reflection and a deeper connection with Franciscan values,” said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university president and Mt. Irenaeus trustee.

The agreement was signed by Gingerich and Kathy Colucci, ’77, chair of the Mt. Irenaeus board.

Founded in 1984 by the late Fr. Dan Riley, ofm, and the late Fr. Dan Hurley, ofm, Mt. Irenaeus serves as a place of peace and contemplation. The university and Mt. Irenaeus are sponsored entities of the Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  

Rooted in the Franciscan mission of simplicity, service and hospitality, the Mountain provides a welcoming environment where people can reflect on their personal faith journey while being surrounded by nature.

The partnership between St. Bonaventure and Mt. Irenaeus, which began in 1984, invites the university community to engage with the Mountain community in various ways, including student retreats, faculty and staff reflection days, alumni gatherings, and other faith-based initiatives.

The Mountain community is also active on campus, providing a Franciscan presence to students in the McGinley-Carney Center for Franciscan Ministry as well as throughout campus, and through on-the-road alumni events. Many participate in virtual gatherings and social media content.

“We at Mt. Irenaeus are really happy to renew our agreement with the university in a year when we are celebrating our 40^th year of existence,” said Br. Kevin Kriso, ofm, guardian/animator of Mt. Irenaeus. “Our engagement with the students and the larger university community is the vibrant ministry that emanates from our Gospel manner of life.”

The renewal agreement extends these collaborative efforts that are primarily in partnership with the university’s Office of Mission Integration and University Ministries, ensuring that students and other members of the community will continue to enjoy the Mountain’s spiritual resources, hospitality and 370 acres of beautiful nature.

 “Mt. Irenaeus is a special place for our university community, offering a unique opportunity to live out the Franciscan values that are at the heart of St. Bonaventure’s mission,” Gingerich said.

Mt. Irenaeus will continue to host regular retreats for students, as well as the popular “Mountain on the Road” program, which brings the spirit of the retreat community to alumni and friends at locations across the country.

In addition to student retreats, faculty and staff can benefit from the Mountain’s reflective environment, which supports personal and professional development through spiritual reflection and renewal.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #6 for value and #14 for innovation by U.S. News and World Report (2024).

About Mt. Irenaeus: "The Mountain" is an intentional Franciscan community founded in 1984 and committed to sharing hospitality, peace, prayer, and care for creation. The Mountain’s primary ministry has been with St. Bonaventure University students and community for the past 40 years. It is a place of belonging, open to all people, ages and cultures. Please visit us in West Clarksville, N.Y., or on our website at www.mountainonline.org.