Grailville
A Statement from the U.S. Grail Council:
“The Grail in the US is dedicated to peace, justice and the renewal of the earth.
We stand with those targeted for their peaceful resistance to hate and exclusion in Charlottesville.
We recognize that the racism and anti-semitism that fueled the violence this weekend
is systemic not isolated and we encourage efforts to eradicate it at all levels.“
The Grail is an international movement of women, who are called by our spiritual values, envisioning a world of peace, justice and renewal of the earth, brought about by women working together as catalysts for change. The Grail center at Grailville—a rural oasis just a short drive from Cincinnati—is a tangible expression of the Grail’s mission and values. A center of education, leadership, peace and care of the earth since 1944, Grailville continues to be a sacred space for women and men of all ages seeking a community of shared values.
**UPDATES**
Our offices are now located at the Ark (the little white house beside the Oratory). Our new official address is 931 O’Bannonville Road, but our phone and email stays the same.
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For those who have been following Grailville during our time of transition from what was to what will be, quick GOOD NEWS note about some of our land. This past spring we worked with the Trust for Public Land to enable the Clermont County Park District to obtain a Clean Ohio Fund grant to purchase 73 acres along our eastern boundary (effectively creating a green “belt” or border). The grant required that deed restrictions be placed on the acreage that prevent it from being developed. The Park District plans to manage the land as natural area with hiking trails. The area will be open to the public once the trails and access are developed.
As we begin our move to the north side of O’Bannonville Road we will keep you informed of happenings as they occur. With our store officially closing on July 31st, we plan to support our partner non-profits and our members by repurposing remaining inventory. For example, just last week, we gifted the Dayton Correctional Institute for Women with over 60 journals for use with their MANY great programs.
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As we move forward through our transition from what was to what will be, we hope that you will continue to find peace and energy at Grailville.
- Grailville has been a “living lab” exploring new ideas and advances in environmental sustainability since its founding. Students and guests continue to learn from these past and current activities when they visit.
- We welcome the community to be active and be a part of the natural world by offering three hiking trails open and free during the daylight hours for public use (walking your dog, birdwatching, enjoying the art installations, breathing in deeply of the scents and sights) year-round. No vehicles permitted.
- Guests can find the divine though personal reflection and meditation either walking our outdoor labyrinth or simply sitting in meditation on a carved bench in the forest.
- Many combine all three when they volunteer in our gardens: feeling the wet soil and warm sun, taking part in informal instruction, and gathering in community.
“The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.”
― Wendell Berry
Grailville has a long and proud history of changing to meet the challenges of the present even as The Grail prepares for the future and honors the past. Today Grailville is in a time of discernment determining how best to fulfill the mission of the Grail into the next quarter century. We hope that you will join us on our journey, and allow Grailville to become a part of YOUR journey.