Publish Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Location: The Bight, Cat Island, Bahamas
Three @ Sea, the only boat in the harbor.
Bahamas history is filled with all types of very determined, hearty souls – from pirates to Loyalist plantation owners; stranded slaves to the Eleutheran Adventurers. These remote, rugged islands demand inhabitants of a special tenacity to live in harmony with the land versus trying to tame it.
Once such character was Farther Jerome, a roman Catholic priest
The Hermitage
who had been an architect before becoming a priest. Churches here in the Bahamas, were crumbling due to numerous hurricanes, and building practices meant for tamer climates. So in the early 1900’s, the Vatican sent Father Jerome to help rebuild these churches while spreading the word. He promptly fell in love with these islands, the water and the people. Single-handing his small sail boat, he traveled through the islands rebuilding the churches and creating a strong spiritual community to help maintain them. Many of his churches are still standing today, a testament to his architectural skills, understanding of the environment, and people who still care for them.
His favorite island was Cat Island, and he decided to build his small retirement residence and chapel on the peak of Mount Alvernia the highest peak in the Bahamas (at 206 feet.) The Hermitage, as it is known, has a beautiful 360 view, with the broad expanse of the Atlantic on one side, and the Exuma Sound on the other. Its simple, but hearty construction compliments the location, and there is a strong sense of spiritual peace as you stand on this hilltop. Cat Island is not particularly
easy to get too, but if you find yourself there, be sure and take the 20 minute walk up the hillside to enjoy this special place.
Under the small world category…
We were the only boat in the harbor, and the only people walking about on the roads of the small settlement at The Bight (where The Hermitage is located). But, we did run into two couples walking back down the trail from The Hermitage, and one of the couples was from Boulder….small world.
If you do go Cat Island, be sure to stop by and have a drink or meal with Grace at the Bluebird Cafe. She is a welcoming soul, and we heard the food was very good, although we just stopped in for a cool drink. she sent us on our way with warm smiles and fresh grown tomatoes and peppers. 🙂