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| A rendering of the new chapel for the Sisters of Mary Morning Star in Monona. (Contributed image) |
MONONA — Construction of a new chapel for the Sisters of Mary Morning Star in Monona began on November 9, and is set to be finished in June 2021.
Throughout this summer and fall, we have been working hard with our architect David Ferch and contractor Brad Crowley of 1848 Construction to carefully plan all the elements of the construction project of our new chapel and to ensure a smooth and successful completion.
Site blessing
On August 15 of this year, Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison blessed the future chapel site.
The blessing was a beautiful and grace filled event!
With the “haste of the Virgin Mary,” the Sisters were eager to confide this project to the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother, on her beautiful feast day of the Assumption!
Fr. Chad Droessler, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Monona where the Sisters convent is located; Fr. Randy Timmerman, pastor of St. Dennis Parish in Madison; and Fr. Brian Dulli, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Cottage Grove were in attendance as well.
They are working with the Sisters to establish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in the new chapel for the east side of Madison.
Kellie O’Brien, from the Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities, also joined the event.
The Sisters are grateful to the Apostolate for their generous support of the project, to ensure that the chapel be accessible and convenient for those with a disability of any kind.
In his homily, Bishop Hying spoke with awe as he recalled how God knew that this piece of land, which has existed for hundreds of years, would one day be the place where the Eucharist would be offered up and adored.
The words of the rite for the blessing of the site of a new church remind us that as we pray for the construction of this new chapel, we too are called to become Temples of the Holy Spirit:
“We glorify you, Lord, holy Father, for in your kindness you entrust the construction of sacred buildings to your faithful . . . Look with favor upon your sons and daughters who have gathered here with joy to begin work on a new church. Grant that they may grow into the temple of your glory, until, shaped by your grace, they are assembled by your hand in the heavenly city.”
Comments of support
In a letter to the Sisters, Bishop Hying said, “The Sisters of Mary Morning Star are called to be a presence of prayer in the heart of the world . . . We continue to be blessed by the prayers of these Sisters.
“I fully support the Chapel Building Project of the Sisters of Mary Morning Star and am grateful for their presence in the Diocese of Madison.
“In whatever way possible, please consider supporting this project, financially or through prayer, both of which will be a precious aid for the success of their campaign.”
Father Droessler said, “As pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, I am grateful for their [the Sisters of Mary Morning Star] presence in our community, and for all that they do for our parish and school.
“The Sisters have enhanced our parish’s prayer and devotion to God and are a beautiful witness of our Catholic faith.
“The current chapel at their convent is very small and does not offer space for guests. It is also not easily accessible to those who might like to join the Sisters for Holy Mass or Eucharistic Adoration.
“The new chapel will provide much needed space and greater functionality.
“I am providing my full support for the chapel addition to the convent.
“The Sisters have been very successful at raising the necessary funds and are completely responsible for overseeing the planning and details of this project. Their expansion is a blessing to our parish community.”
Sam Blahnik from 1848 Construction said, “1848 Construction is thrilled for the opportunity to partner on this meaningful project with the Sisters of Mary Morning Star.
“It is extremely rewarding to help the Sisters with their contemplative vocation, but also knowing the newly constructed Adoration chapel will provide the opportunity for many in the diocese to better connect in their devotion to Jesus.”
Support the project
To support this Project visit the GoFundMe website: https://charity.gofundme.com/sisters-new-chapel or email the Sisters at mariastella.madison@gmail.com