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The Power of Place: From Baggot Street to Cranaleith
The Power of Place: From Baggot Street to Cranaleith
5.007 reviews
13475 Proctor Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19116, USA
September 27, 2026
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Mary Reynolds, RSM is a member of the Sisters of Mercy, Western Branch, Ireland. She served as the CEO of Mercy International Association from 2008- 2019. She previously worked in education ministry, serving in roles of teacher, school principal and board chair and in a number of other roles at a national level relating to Catholic education in Ireland. She also served in Mercy leadership.
Details of this retreat
Places can hold memory. They can carry stories, shape identity, and awaken something within us that words alone cannot express.
Together, we will explore the power of place through a conversation about two places deeply connected to the story of Mercy: the House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin and Cranaleith here in Philadelphia.
Mary Trainer, RSM, and Mary Reynolds, RSM, will reflect on the ways Baggot Street continues to hold and channel the spirit of Catherine McAuley and the charism of Mercy for those who enter its doors today. They will then invite us to consider the wisdom, history, and energy held by Cranaleith—a place shaped by the Native peoples who knew and honored this land, by the women who struggled for equality and justice, by the Trainer family and their deep sense of family and Celtic reverence for creation, and by the many people who have found welcome and renewal here.
We will reflect on Cranaleith as a place of springs and trees, a sanctuary of creation, and now a Mercy place of ministry—a wellspring for those seeking spiritual nourishment, belonging, healing, and hope.
We will explore the many influences that enriched her spirituality—including the Quaker tradition—and consider how these shaped her understanding of faith and service.
What have we inherited from these places and the people who have shaped them? What values are ours to claim, embody, and pass on?
Come and join the conversation as we listen for what the land, the stories, and the spirit of these places might have to teach us.
Together, we will explore the power of place through a conversation about two places deeply connected to the story of Mercy: the House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin and Cranaleith here in Philadelphia.
Mary Trainer, RSM, and Mary Reynolds, RSM, will reflect on the ways Baggot Street continues to hold and channel the spirit of Catherine McAuley and the charism of Mercy for those who enter its doors today. They will then invite us to consider the wisdom, history, and energy held by Cranaleith—a place shaped by the Native peoples who knew and honored this land, by the women who struggled for equality and justice, by the Trainer family and their deep sense of family and Celtic reverence for creation, and by the many people who have found welcome and renewal here.
We will reflect on Cranaleith as a place of springs and trees, a sanctuary of creation, and now a Mercy place of ministry—a wellspring for those seeking spiritual nourishment, belonging, healing, and hope.
We will explore the many influences that enriched her spirituality—including the Quaker tradition—and consider how these shaped her understanding of faith and service.
What have we inherited from these places and the people who have shaped them? What values are ours to claim, embody, and pass on?
Come and join the conversation as we listen for what the land, the stories, and the spirit of these places might have to teach us.
Getting Here
Cranaleith, 13475 Proctor Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19116, USA
Directions
By Car:
From I-95: Take Woodhaven Road exit (Route 63 WEST) almost to the end, to where it narrows to one lane. Turn left onto Evans Street. At slight, turn right onto Byberry Road for approximately ONE mile to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT and continue for 1/8 mile and Cranaleith will be on the RIGHT. From Roosevelt Boulevard: If coming North, turn LEFT onto Southampton Road (If coming South on Route 1, make a RIGHT on Southampton). Continue on Southampton Road for ONE mile to Worthington Road (stop sign). Turn LEFT on to Worthington Road, continue for ONE block to Napier Street. Turn RIGHT and proceed for THREE blocks to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT onto Proctor Road and then make an immediate RIGHT into Cranaleith’s driveway. From PA Turnpike: Exit at #351 (Bensalem Exit). Go SOUTH on Route 1. Immediately after the Street Road Exit and Andy’s Diner, the lanes divide. Be sure to stay in the far RIGHT lane. When you come to the intersection of Southampton Road, turn RIGHT. Continue on Southampton Road for ONE mile to Worthington Road (stop sign). Turn LEFT onto Worthington Road, continue for ONE block to Napier Street. Turn RIGHT and proceed for THREE blocks to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT onto Proctor Road and then make an immediate RIGHT into Cranaleith’s driveway.
PROBLEM WITH GOOGLE DIRECTIONS: If you are coming from the PA Turnpike, online directions automatically send you onto Street Road/132W after exiting the Turnpike and heading down Route 1 South. Many people mistakenly go East on Street Road. And others miss the subsequent Trevose Road turn because it isn’t properly marked. It’s much easier to avoid Street Road by staying on 1 South (in the right-hand lane) until Southampton Road, where you make a right. Then make a left on Worthington, a right on Napier and a right on Proctor.
By Train:
From the city (University City, 30th St. Station, Suburban Station, Market East, etc.), take the West Trenton commuter train to SOMERTON. From the station walk LEFT on Edison Avenue for two blocks. Crossover Trevose Road and then RIGHT onto Proctor Road. Cranaleith will be on the LEFT. Transportation from the station may be arranged.
By Bus:
From the Frankford Terminal, take No. 58 bus up Bustleton Ave. to Byberry Road. Walk EAST on Byberry Road for two blocks to Proctor Road. Turn LEFT onto Proctor Road and proceed for 1/8 mile. Cranaleith will be on the RIGHT.
By Plane:
From Philadelphia International Airport, take the airport train to 30th Street Station, and transfer to the R3 — West Trenton Commuter Train to SOMERTON. From the station walk LEFT on Edison Avenue for two blocks. Crossover Trevose Road and then RIGHT onto Proctor Road. Cranaleith will be on the LEFT. Transportation from the station may be arranged.
From I-95: Take Woodhaven Road exit (Route 63 WEST) almost to the end, to where it narrows to one lane. Turn left onto Evans Street. At slight, turn right onto Byberry Road for approximately ONE mile to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT and continue for 1/8 mile and Cranaleith will be on the RIGHT. From Roosevelt Boulevard: If coming North, turn LEFT onto Southampton Road (If coming South on Route 1, make a RIGHT on Southampton). Continue on Southampton Road for ONE mile to Worthington Road (stop sign). Turn LEFT on to Worthington Road, continue for ONE block to Napier Street. Turn RIGHT and proceed for THREE blocks to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT onto Proctor Road and then make an immediate RIGHT into Cranaleith’s driveway. From PA Turnpike: Exit at #351 (Bensalem Exit). Go SOUTH on Route 1. Immediately after the Street Road Exit and Andy’s Diner, the lanes divide. Be sure to stay in the far RIGHT lane. When you come to the intersection of Southampton Road, turn RIGHT. Continue on Southampton Road for ONE mile to Worthington Road (stop sign). Turn LEFT onto Worthington Road, continue for ONE block to Napier Street. Turn RIGHT and proceed for THREE blocks to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT onto Proctor Road and then make an immediate RIGHT into Cranaleith’s driveway.
PROBLEM WITH GOOGLE DIRECTIONS: If you are coming from the PA Turnpike, online directions automatically send you onto Street Road/132W after exiting the Turnpike and heading down Route 1 South. Many people mistakenly go East on Street Road. And others miss the subsequent Trevose Road turn because it isn’t properly marked. It’s much easier to avoid Street Road by staying on 1 South (in the right-hand lane) until Southampton Road, where you make a right. Then make a left on Worthington, a right on Napier and a right on Proctor.
By Train:
From the city (University City, 30th St. Station, Suburban Station, Market East, etc.), take the West Trenton commuter train to SOMERTON. From the station walk LEFT on Edison Avenue for two blocks. Crossover Trevose Road and then RIGHT onto Proctor Road. Cranaleith will be on the LEFT. Transportation from the station may be arranged.
By Bus:
From the Frankford Terminal, take No. 58 bus up Bustleton Ave. to Byberry Road. Walk EAST on Byberry Road for two blocks to Proctor Road. Turn LEFT onto Proctor Road and proceed for 1/8 mile. Cranaleith will be on the RIGHT.
By Plane:
From Philadelphia International Airport, take the airport train to 30th Street Station, and transfer to the R3 — West Trenton Commuter Train to SOMERTON. From the station walk LEFT on Edison Avenue for two blocks. Crossover Trevose Road and then RIGHT onto Proctor Road. Cranaleith will be on the LEFT. Transportation from the station may be arranged.
Accommodation
Enjoy a peaceful stay in our historic main house, Mill-Rae, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places! Private and shared rooms are available, each with a beautiful view of Cranaleith's gardens and grounds. Those in search of humble yet comfortable accommodations will also enjoy the Carriage House. Both buildings offer kitchenettes and cozy living spaces.
Program Price
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Gather for your next spiritual program or retreat in the cozy McAuley Room (15 guests), convenient Board Room (12guests) or the Conference Room (60 guests). Enjoy a meal in the Cranaleith dining room, (60 guests), or relax on the outdoor patio with pond views.
Meals
No meals are provided.
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
24 Hour Silent Retreat
Cranaleith is my very favorite place to go for retreats. The facility is peaceful and the staff are excellent. Meals are generous and delightful. A great experience all around.
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April Retreat for Women Veterans
5 stars
5.0
Verified
Peaceful Retreat Setting
I've been bringing groups of students to Cranaleith for retreats for over 10 years now....and we will keep coming back! The staff is always so welcoming, the food nourishes my body and soul, and as soon as I step foot on the grounds I feel at peace. I highly recommend Cranaleith for their own retreat offerings and programs, as well as, a place to bring your work or school group to!
5.0
Verified
7 Day Individually Directed Silent Retreat
This was my second 7 day retreat at Cranaleith, in addition to ongoing individual spiritual direction since 2014. I recommend the sisters at Cranaleith for their compassionate and insightful direction. If you are looking to spend time in the serenity of God and nature, it is a worthy destination.
