JEFFERSON TWP - Nestled in a small valley, tucked into the countryside just off West Jefferson Road is one of Butler County's best kept secrets, The Transfiguration House of Prayer.

Maybe it is the contemplative nature of the place and the solitude sought there that has kept this haven of healing off the map.

Owned and operated by the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence, the site is under the direction of Sister Marian Senish, who has been involved in prayer ministry for 33 years. Her ministry is closely aligned with the rhythm of nature and the spirituality of life.

She conducts retreats, provides spiritual direction and presents a variety of workshops on prayer and spirituality.

She does this in the serene setting of a self-sustaining, volunteer-built retreat center that features a chapel, four tiny hermitages, a mobile home and a house that includes a table for 12 - all situated on 21 acres of wooded land.

"We were founded in 1971 and it was a long journey to this location," said Senish. "This was our fifth and final move in 1976. It is more than I could have ever hoped for. God has truly blessed us in every way."

Many of those who have sought refuge and respite also say they have been blessed.

Sitting in Senish's living room on a Saturday afternoon was a small contingent of ardent supporters who had both donated and benefited from the House of Prayer ministry.

They had gathered for an annual celebration of The Feast of Transfiguration, commemorating an event described in the Bible in which Jesus became transfigured into a more Godlike form at the top of a mountain.

Sandy Stevenson of Butler said she first sought sanctuary at the House of Prayer on the anniversary of her husband's death.

"I knew it was a day I didn't want to spend alone," said Stevenson. "I had been invited to a wedding on that day, but just couldn't imagine attending. It was just too painful, so I called Sister Marian and asked if I could retreat.

"I stayed in the loft above the chapel and spent much time in prayer. God's presence is so strong here and sleeping in the loft was like having a sleepover at God's house."

Senish said that while she can plan retreats and organize Bible studies for guests, solitude is often the best medicine for healing.

"Being here and having prayer time and scripture reading time and time of contemplation allows people to process and assimilate," Senish said.

"Our minds are filled with so much 'stuff' that we need time to ponder."

Maggie Matthews of Plum is a repeat lodger at the House of Prayer.

"I was seeking something but wasn't sure what it was and I found what I was looking for the first time I came to the House of Prayer," said Matthews.

"I found solitude in this atmosphere. The spirit of God is very real here and that is what I needed."

Matthews and Stevenson both said they feel the House of Prayer is like coming home.

"I am so relieved when I get here and I cry when I leave because it is here that feels like home," said Stevenson. "When I was laid off for two months I came here and lived and worked on the property and prayed. I barely spoke."

"When I left I was refreshed and rejuvenated," said Matthews.

Dick Flinn of Saxonburg helped build the chapel. He spent hours on the roof nailing shingles and plywood."Sister Senish used to keep us fed while we were on the job and some evenings we would just stop and have Mass," said Flinn. "It was a great time working with wonderful people."Flinn returns each year in August to the House of Prayer for the Mass."I guess we just believed in Sister Senish's dream and knew this place would be a blessing, so we came and we built," he said.Sister Marian recently celebrated 50 years as a Sister of Divine Providence, with 25 as director of the House of Prayer.It was during the turbulent '60s that she discerned what she describes as her "call within a call" - the call to contemplative livingand active ministry.Simple living and judicious use of resources are characteristic of her life and ministry."We tell visitors, 'All we can give is what we have, and if we don't have what you need, we will help you do without it,'" said Senish.She heats the compound with a wood burner and lives and provides for her retreat guests with donations."We don't charge for our retreats but we accept whatever they can offer," said Senish, who mentioned that people who have been blessed will bless the House of Prayer in return when they get on their feet.The"transfiguration experience" comes in whatever way it happens, Senish said."It could be through prayer, but may come by some other way," she said. "We meet people where they are and let God do the rest."It's a safe haven, and this haven is in need of a few extra hands."Senish pointed out that the Chapel needs repairs and there are several other issues that need to be addressed on the property."We have to trust God that the right people will come and be a part of the vision, helping to restore and to keep it alive as long as God wants it to be," she said."We just had some people come and look at our pond and offer to clean it out and dredge it so the wildlife will come back to it."She also noted a plastic pond that will be created under a lovely little wooden bridge on the property that leads to one of the hermitages.Dotted throughout the property are lovely places to sit and ponder and of course to pray."There are a few statues and paintings but for the most part the artwork is that of the Creator," said Senish. "It is pretty neat that the House is based on the Gospel where it says 'So good to be here' and people say that shortly after the arrive."They are quoting scripture without even knowing it."