The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia
Bahamians have always been a deeply religious people, and in times of need they turn to God.
In 1939, He answered their prayers and sent a man to help them.
That man was Father Jerome, or Monsignor John C. Hawes,
a world weary architect and priest who was also called “The Great Heart of Cat Island”.
In addition to being a world famous architect, he was also a philosopher, poet, essayist,
sculptor and collector of architectural treasures.
He came to Cat Island to seek solitude and to live as the poorest of the poor.
His role model was St. Francis of Assisi.
When Father Jerome arrived on Cat Island, he bought the highest hilltop he could see.
It was called Comer Hill, and is, in fact, the highest hill in the Bahamas (206 feet)
with an amazing 360° view of the island.
He renamed it Mount Alvernia, after the hill in Tuscany, where St. Francis received the wounds of the cross.
There the hermit built a miniature medieval monastery, called The Hermitage. Furthermore he hand carved
a series of steps out of solid rock, representing the Stations of the Cross.
From these high cliffs, guests have a stunning view down to the densely-forested island
with its lovely and almost never-ending pink and white sand beaches.
During his twenty years in the Bahamas, he built four churches on Cat Island alone.
Since Father Jerome’s death in the early 1950’s, the world has changed tremendously.
Fortunately for us, a few things have stayed the same. On Cat Island, you can still experience
the true feeling and the mystical flair of the Bahamas.
Greenwood Beach Resort
Port Howe - Cat Island - Bahamas
Tel & Fax : + 1 - 242 - 342 - 3053
