MiraVia (“Miraculous Way”) is a Charlotte NC ProLife organization that supports women in crisis pregnancies. Our Brother, Very Reverend Christopher Roux, Rector of the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Charlotte, serves on the MiraVia Board of Directors.
Recently, MiraVia entered into a collaboration with Belmont Abbey College, North Carolina’s only Catholic College founded by Benedictine Monks in 1876, to create a unique residency program specifically designed for pregnant college students.
Belmont Abbey College , “ is honored to be the home of “MiraVia,” a residence for pregnant college students. The first of its kind in the United States, MiraVia provides alternative student housing and support for single, pregnant and parenting students.”
The Monks of Belmont Abbey Monastery donated the land for MiraVia’s 10,000 sqft facility and residents maintain their academic careers while living at MiraVia, either through classes at Belmont Abbey College or at another local or online college.
The College Maternity Residence for pregnant college students provides:
- Free room and board for a pregnant mother and her child(ren)
- Around-the-clock access to professional staff
- Material assistance (baby supplies, nursery furniture)
- Life skills classes, including but not limited to:
– Pregnancy health
– Labor and childbirth
– Adoption awareness
– Baby care and parenting
– Cooking / nutrition
– Finance / budgeting
– Career counseling / interview skills
– Natural family planning
– Healthy relationships
– Faith enrichment and Bible studies
In addition to the unique college residency program, MiraVia’s Outreach Center is a place for women to come and receive professional assistance and material donations both during pregnancy and after their baby is born. The Outreach Program provides pregnant women and mothers with individual and group support to address issues that may be causing stress and create plans for a successful future. The assistance provided includes baby clothing and supplies, referrals for financial & material assistance, referrals to adoption agencies and life-skills classes (e.g., Pregnancy health, Parenting, Finance & budgeting, Career counseling & interview skills and ESL Classes).
“The two AOH Mecklenburg County (Charlotte area) Divisions as well as the Mecklenburg County Board are proud to continue our long associations with MiraVia and to support this one-of-a-kind residential pro-life ministry for college aged women. Through the tireless work of many Hibernians over the years, these women and their children have been offered a viable alternative to abortion while continuing their education.” Bryan Somerville, President, Mecklenburg County Division 2, St. Brendan the Navigator.
The Mission of MiraVia
Respecting and affirming life from the moment of conception, MiraVia is a safe haven and source of hope for pregnant mothers and their children. Invoking a Christ-centered approach inspired by the examples of Mary and Joseph, MiraVia helps young families move toward a new life of hopeful, independent, and healthy living and educates the broader community on the importance of fostering a culture of life.
