Our Story
La Verna Pastures had its unofficial beginning at the University of Chicago. There, two of our farmers, Victor and Nick, forged an ironclad bond through their mutual conversion to Catholicism. It wasn't long before farming became part of their vision of the good life, although it would be many years before they could realize it.
That day finally arrived when Nick unexpectedly came into possession of a neighbor's cow who needed milking. One thing led to another and before long, he and his wife, Charlotte, found themselves in the throes of a full-fledge homestead operation. Victor hopped on the bandwagon not long after, and so the college dream was fulfilled!
"Saint Francis" by Federico Barocci
How we came upon the name 'La Verna' is another story entirely. La Verna is a mountain in Tuscany, where in the year 1224 St. Francis became the first Catholic on record to receive the stigmata: wounds that appear in the exact places where Christ himself received them during the crucifixion. This event has given the mountain a special significance to members of St. Francis' Order, also known as Franciscans. Our farmers are at various stages of joining the Franciscans as Tertiaries, inspired by the spirit of poverty, conversion, and love of nature for which the great saint was known. Our farm, which sits on the highest point in Mansfield, is our very own La Verna, where we're pursuing holiness in a Franciscan way.
Our Farmers
When community is at the center, you know who your food comes from. These are our farmers:
Victor
Nick
Charlotte