Whispers of history linger around Heart of Mary Convent. This isn’t just any convent. It’s a place steeped in the rich heritage of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. Founded far away in France in 1849 their mission spread globally.
The sisters arrived in New York in 1877. They started their work in Sag Harbor. They established St Andrew’s parish school. They also offered religious classes. They opened a boarding and day school for paying students. A free night school was created for young immigrant women. Many worked in the mills and factories. Bulova was one of Sag Harbor’s last industries. After its closure in 1981 tourism became a vital part of the town’s economy.
The convent’s story is intertwined with that of the Frank Havens Estate. A real estate tycoon Frank Havens built this lavish waterfront home in 1905. He reportedly had Tiffany Studios of New York design its interior. Much of this is still intact today.
After Havens’ death in 1918 his wife Lila inherited it. The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary bought the estate in 1918. In 1943 it became a finishing school for Catholic girls. It was called Cormaria. By 1949 Cormaria became a retreat center. Today it continues its mission as a place of spiritual renewal.
Imagine the sisters walking the beautiful grounds. They meet their God by Sag Harbor Bay. The Heart of Mary Convent isn’t just a building. It is a living testament to faith. It is a symbol of the enduring spirit of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. It’s a place where history whispers stories of dedication and service. A place where the past meets the present. A place where faith continues to inspire.