wellspring
retreats at
Fransalian Center for Spirituality
ABOUT US
WELLSPRING is a name chosen to symbolize the most basic vision of our Center for Spirituality. The choice was based on a core belief that there is, deep within every person, at the core of being, a “wellspring” a spring that wells up a source of life, of energy, of spirit, that never dries and that yields more, the more it is tapped. When I opened a similar center in India about thirty years ago, the first thing I did was to find a source of water. We needed the water for the construction of necessary buildings, for cultivation, development and maintenance of a five acre farm and for the needs of our community. Water was found, a spring at the depth of two hundred and fifteen feet. The source was not adequate for our purpose. Within a few months of use, the spring began to grow and yield more than expected. It began to yield sufficient water to main-
tain the farm and take care of the needs of a twenty five member community. This is the spring deep within the earth.
Similarly, God has gifted each of us with a spring deep within us...a wellspring of goodness, life and love. The more we draw from it the more it will yield life-giving water. Jesus says, “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never be thirsty; no, the water I give shall become a fountain within him, leaping up to provide eternal life.” (John 4:14)
Wellspring, Fransalian Center for Spirituality, was founded by Fr. Gus Tharappel, blessed by Msgr. Joe Strickland on January 24, 1998 and hosted by Mr. George Murad in his mother’s house on Fleishel in Tyler. As the ministry grew and the needs increased it became necessary to move to a more convenient location. Most Reverend Edmond Carmody, then Bishop of Tyler, blessed the present home of Wellspring on Rhones Quarter Road on September 13, 1998. Wellspring has gone through a number of levels and layers and dimensions of growth over the years. The center now has necessary office space, meetings rooms, a kitchen and dining room and twelve guest rooms for retreats and a large conference room. The Shrine of the Mother of Compassion was recently constructed at Wellspring. Our shrine gives us a stable and permanent place of prayer, devotion, contemplation and worship.
The main focus of Wellspring is to offer spiritual growth programs. Wellspring offers many programs and opportunities for spiritual growth. Wellspring gratefully acknowledges all who participate in our programs and all who support Wellspring. Wellspring is supported by voluntary contributions from individuals in the community.
For additional information about our programs at Wellspring, Fransalian Center for Spirituality, visit our website at: www.wellspringcommunity.net
Fr. Augustine Tharappel, msfs
