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Who We Are

The Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, CPS (the abbreviation CPS stands for Congregatio Pretiosi Sanguinis in Latin),

The Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, CPS (the abbreviation CPS stands for Congregatio Pretiosi Sanguinis in Latin), are an international congregation of women founded on September 8, 1885 by the Trappist, Abbot Francis Pfanner, in Mariannhill, near Durban, South Africa. Our founder wanted us totally committed to the service of Christ’s redeeming love, to make the Precious Blood of Christ fruitful for all (Const. 102). Our title is our mandate: to live the Paschal Mystery and to witness to the redeeming love of Christ. The contemplative-missionary heritage of our Founder inspires us CPS worldwide to commit ourselves to fulfill our religious and missionary calling of ora et labora, pray and work. The challenges of today speak to the heart of this our double vocation and call us beyond the familiar to new ways of being and witnessing in the world and for the world.

Our History

Mariawald (Mary of the Woods) is named after a Trappist Abbey in Germany where Abbot Francis Pfanner, founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, began his spiritual pilgrimage as a Trappist priest,  monk, and missionary. Mariawald was built in 1977 as a guest house. Because the convent grounds lent itself well for spiritual retreats, more and more groups sought to use the facility and enjoy the peace and quiet found here. Soon Mariawald turned into a Renewal Center where hundreds of people come yearly for retreat. While very grateful for all the familiar faces that continue to come year after year, we are also excited about the many new people who express such enthusiasm when they discover Mariawald for the very first time.

Our Location

Situated on the 90 acres of beautiful grounds of Precious Blood Convent, Mariawald Renewal Center offers

contemplative and peaceful places for you to find rest. Just minutes from Lancaster Avenue in Shillington, Pennsylvania, a turn into our tree-lined entrance promises a refreshing pause. Set in a wooded area with two large ponds, there is an abundance of nature, wildlife, and walking trails to serve as a backdrop for your restful retreat.

Our Policies

   1. Mariawald Renewal Center is a No Smoking/Vaping area

  • This includes the interior of the Renewal Center and grounds, within 15 feet of the building.        

  • We are situated in a wooded area prone to forest fires, so caution must be taken to avoid any possibility of a fire from discarded cigarettes. 

  • Barbecue and fire pits are prohibited. 

  • The Center does not allow the use of recreational or illegal drugs or substances on its premises. 

  • No candles or incense are permitted.

  • We ask that strong perfumes not be used as some people are extremely sensitive or allergic to these smells.

  • Only service dogs are permitted.


   2. Grounds and Premises

  •  Retreatants are encouraged to make use of the grounds for walks and for the enjoyment of nature.      

  •  We have deer and small animals on the premises and a variety of birds. 

  •  The flora in the wooded area is indigenous to Pennsylvania and each season brings its own beauty. 

  •  Precautions should be taken by individuals to avoid mosquito or tick bites; sometimes this area of Pennsylvania   is known to have Lyme Disease. 

  •  Swimming, fishing, or boating are not permitted.

  •  Keep a safe distance from the ponds. Retreatants walk closely to the water at their own risk.

  •  Minor children are to be solely under the care and responsibility of their family, legal guardians, or caregivers     while on the premises. 

  •  Please respect the privacy of demarcated areas within the convent.

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