The Hermitage

During our trip out, we wanted to see The Hermitage atop Mt. Alvernia, the highest point in The Bahamas.

A bit of history from a Bahamian website:

Father Jerome, or Monsignor John Hawkes, also contributed to Cat Island's history. Trained as an architect, with every bishop clamoring for one of his designs during his heyday, he eventually settled here in 1939 at the age of 62. He built St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, because he patterned his life after the Saint, and lived as a penitent hermit at The Hermitage, a medieval monastery carved out of the limestone cliffs atop Mount Alvernia as a place for meditation. He was the "conscience" of the Island, mediating disputes and was also benefactor to them when they were in need. He died in 1956 and is buried in the cave where he once lived.

Here's a view from where we parked.
Up a road of sorts.
Then, you turn off on this trail.
Along the path are stations of the cross. I won't show you all of them, but I did take pictures of each one.
It gets pretty steep in places.



I thought there were 12 stations of the cross; evidently, there are more. I need to do some research.
A miniature tomb, complete with a stone.
The sanctuary for one.
This is a blurry picture, but it emphasizes that it's really just for one person.
The living quarters, we presume.
A short, narrow path from the living quarters to the sanctuary.
A view from the sanctuary.

The alter.

A well pump and water storage area. The area was designed so that all water flowed to this lowest point.
The view from the back.
According to the locals, Father Jerome built this all by hand with only the assistance of a goat to bring the stones to the top. Amazing.