Saint Mary's by the Sea - Cape May Point, NJ
N 38° 55.925 W 074° 57.695
18S E 503329 N 4309240
The Sisters of St. Joseph's retreat on the Atlantic Ocean.
Waymark Code: WM8FBD
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 03/25/2010
Views: 6
The Saint Mary's Convent was once the Shoreham Hotel. The only former hotel left on the Point. The others have suffered from erosion and were lost. The Sisters of St. Joseph have been coming here from Philadelphia since 1909, where they do relax, but also have been taking care of the huge building. This building now sits on the water. Erosion keeps bringing the water closer. The nuns pray with every storm that their place will be spared. They've even gone as far as surrounding the seaside of the convent with a barrier of 10 ton boulders. The Army Corps of Engineers has installed jetties, but now there are erosion problems in other areas of the beach.
When they aren't worried about erosion they spend their time cooking, cleaning, and making repairs. They all help with carpentry projects and painting.
When work is done the sisters are found sitting on the porch, walking the beaches, or riding bikes. The retreat wouldn't be a retreat without a little fun!
Full name of the abbey/monastery/convent: Saint Mary's by the Sea
Address: 101 Lehigh Avenue Cape May Point , NJ United States 08204
Religious affiliation: Catholic
Date founded/constructed: 1901
Web Site: [Web Link]
Status of Use: Acitvely Used
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