IMG_1467The beauty of God’s creation can be seen in the fall colors unfolding on the Province Center grounds.

Nearly 100 trees dot the campus in Northwest suburban Arlington Heights, which the Viatorians converted from rich farmland more than 60 years ago.

Just driving up the long, winding drive, the beauty unfolds, especially as a large, majestic maple comes into view.

Visitors to the Province Center also will see many other varieties of maple, fir and birch trees that grace the grounds, as well as a giant willow tree, a copper beech and a flowering Japanese larch located near the main entrance.IMG_1468

Three pieces of sculpture also can be found on the campus, including Our Lady of Grace, which is a replica of a famous statue in Rome; as well as one of St. Viator, the community’s patron saint, and a guardian angel overlooking the north lawn.

The Viatorians purchased the farmland in 1951. It dated back to the mid-19th Century, when German immigrants farmed the 88 acres.

Fr. John Brown, CSV, provincial at the time, moved the novitiate into the red brick farmhouse on the property, while a new building was being erected. The Province Center was designed as a school for the novices of the community and provincial residence. #2

It still serves as the main residence for the provincial, assistant provincial and retired community members, and contains the Creation Chapel, a main dining room, meeting rooms, staff offices and galleries featuring the community’s art collection.

Since 1961, the original farmhouse has been home to Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Guadaloupe.