(Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash)
MADISON — It’s time to celebrate both continuity and new beginnings, said Bishop Robert C. Morlino as he presided at a Mass and groundbreaking ceremonies for the redevelopment of the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center (BOC) on May 1.
After Holy Name Seminary closed in 1995, the building was renovated as a diocesan center and renamed the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in 1998.
The redevelopment of the BOC will maintain diocesan offices, the center’s chapel, and other historic features
while adding a vibrant new residential community. Gorman & Company has been engaged by the Diocese of Madison to serve as the developer of the $21 million project and will provide architectural and design services for the redevelopment.
Appropriately, the Mass and groundbreaking ceremonies were held on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. “We’re doing quite a bit of work here,” said Bishop Morlino, who noted that construction work at the BOC began about a month ago. “We’re doing quite well in the hopes that we will see the fruits of this work in due time.”
Caring about vocations
Following the Mass, Bishop Morlino unveiled and blessed a recently uncovered diocesan coat of arms on the lobby floor, which dates back to when the building was Holy Name Seminary.
Bishop Morlino observed that Holy Name Seminary was a sign that the priests and people of the diocese cared about vocations. Unveiling the diocesan crest, he said, “will be a reminder of the wonderful history of the diocese and all the good work of Holy Name Seminary.”
The bishop acknowledged that while times change, “We care every bit as much for vocations today. Through many prayers, we have 33 seminarians and we’re doing well in our fund-raising efforts to support them.”
He was referring to the Priests for Our Future campaign, which has raised over $29 million to date — much of it in pledges.
“As we move into the future, let our prayers continue to rise for vocations, especially through Eucharistic Adoration,” said Bishop Morlino.
Historic preservation
To preverse its architectural integrity, the BOC — which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — will be renovated as a “certified historic rehabilitation” in compliance with historic preservation guidelines prescribed by the National Park Service.
Key components of the renovation will be incorporating 53 new apartment homes; updating office space for the diocese, Catholic Charities, and affiliated Catholic organizations, including the Catholic Herald and Relevant Radio; and upgrading the office and kitchen facilities for Blue Plate Catering.
The Bishop O’Donnell Holy Name Memorial Chapel will be maintained and preserved and will continue to offer daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration during and after the renovation.
The new residential community, to be known as Holy Name Heights, will be comprised of 53 one and two-bedroom apartment homes. A guest suite will be available to rent by residents for visiting family and friends.
To recognize and celebrate the building’s historic and cultural significance, Gorman & Company will create a dedicated space for a “History Lounge” on the lower level of the building below the chapel. In partnership with the diocese, Gorman & Company will curate a display of memorabilia and photographs chronicling the history of Holy Name Seminary.
Office tenants, residents, and visitors will have a chance to view the collection and learn about the BOC’s spiritual legacy.