About Hartzer Park
Since opening to the public over forty years ago, Hartzer Park has been a sanctuary for those seeking peace and spiritual renewal. Owned and operated by the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH Sisters), our centre carries forward a mission that stretches back to 1874 France. Here in the Southern Highlands, that legacy lives on in our heritage buildings, our tranquil grounds, and in every person who finds rest within them.
Our Heritage: The OLSH Sisters
The Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
The Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH Sisters) are an international congregation of women ministering and working in over twenty-six countries around the world. Our spirituality is centered on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a special relationship with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, whom we honor under the title of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
We are called to foster love in the world and work particularly with the poor and disadvantaged, making Jesus known wherever we are. These values of compassion, service, and hospitality shape everything we do at Hartzer Park.
Our Founder: Jules Chevalier
Our Congregation's Founding
Our congregation was founded in Issoudun, France in 1874 by Father Jules Chevalier, a Missionary of the Sacred Heart. Father Chevalier had a special love for Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and gave her a beautiful new title: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. He believed this title spoke of the close relationship between Mother and Son, and of how we are all called to enter into the mystery of union and love which the heart of Jesus holds for each of us.
Five members of the congregation first arrived in Sydney from France en route to Papua New Guinea on January 31st, 1885. Sydney became a permanent base, and the sisters soon established schools in Botany and Kensington, later expanding to the Southern Highlands in 1903, where they commenced primary schools in both Bowral and historic Berrima.
The Woman Behind The Name
Who was Marie Louise Hartzer?
"Hartzer Park" was named after Marie Louise Hartzer, who was the first Superior General of our congregation. Marie Louise had been a young widow with two sons when she first came into contact with the congregation in France. She felt drawn to give her life to God and to share her life with others in loving service. After her sons had grown up and were settled, she joined the congregation.
Mother Marie Louise guided the small group of women in the very beginnings of the congregation, and it was through her wise, practical, motherly guidance and skillful leadership that the congregation spread throughout Europe and into Oceania. Her legacy of compassionate service and leadership lives on in the spirit of Hartzer Park.
The History of the Property
From Eridge Park to Hartzer Park
The present ‘Hartzer Park’ property was purchased in 1947 as a place of training for young women who were joining the congregation. At the time, the property was known as Eridge Park.
The two-story house on the property, also known previously as Eridge Park, was built by Sir Robert Lucas Tooth MLA in 1880. He was a partner in the Kent Brewery and later chairman of the Tooth Company. The house itself was built out of wood from the malt bins, which were shipped out from England to supply the brewery. In its day, it was a very fine house featuring a beautiful stained glass window with three main panels. In the middle panel is the knight, St. George, in full armor with sword drawn, and on either side are decorative panels featuring the initials of Robert Lucas Tooth and his wife, Helen Tooth. Their motto, perseverantia palmam obtinebit ("Perseverance will gain the palm"), is inscribed underneath.
The original house boasted its own gas generating plant and its own supply of water from a well nearby. In the south-eastern corner of the property are a number of hawthorn trees which were planted by Sir Robert to provide shade for his children when they played. During his time here at Burradoo, Tooth also established a quality Jersey herd of cattle, which he later moved to the Bega Valley where he subsequently pioneered cheese making as a commercial industry.
A Sacred Space Built for Reflection
The present brick building, which houses our accommodation, meeting spaces, and chapel, was built in 1963 in a European monastic style. With hundreds of arches and six main cloisters around a central courtyard, the building's architecture invites contemplation and peace. The inspiring chapel is built in Romanesque and Byzantine style, creating a sacred atmosphere perfect for prayer and celebration.
Hartzer Park, as a place of rest and a centre for human and spiritual development, was opened to the general public in January 1978. Since then, our staff have been committed to providing an atmosphere of peace and refreshment where each guest is made to feel at home in the quiet and tranquil surroundings
Acknowledgement of Country
The original inhabitants of Burradoo and the land on which Hartzer Park is situated are the Gundungurra people. We wish to honor and acknowledge their presence and their rich history as the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognise their continuing connection to Country.
While Hartzer Park primarily serves as a retreat centre, we warmly welcome the local community to join us for Sunday Mass in our beautiful chapel. All are invited to worship with us and experience the peace of this sacred space