The monks of Schuyler headed north to Norfolk on May 30th to join the Oblates, family and friends of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters for the official rededication of Immaculata Monastery.
After many months of living in an apartment complex not too far from the monastery, the sisters were finally able to return to their renovated home in late May. Changes were evident as soon as vistors walked through the front doors. The living quarters for the sisters, the renovated infirmary, and common areas have a warm, home-like feel and are a far cry from the 1950s institutional feel of the old monastery. A nice feature is the new addition of private rooms and sitting area for the Spirituality Center which allow space for guests to spend time with the monastic community. The fourth floor with small private rooms and dormitory space will continue to serve as accomodation for larger groups.
The heart of the monastery is the chapel. The community and visitors are now gathered around the altar for the celebration of the Eucharist, instead of being in separate spaces as in the old chapel. An Adoration Chapel has been added and one area of the L-shaped worship space has been specifically designated for the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours.
Archbishop Elden F. Curtiss of Omaha presided at the Eucharist and Consecration of the Altar. A number of priests from the Archdiocese as well as Abbot Gregory Polan and Fr. Benedict Neenan of Conception Abbey, Missouri also concelebrated.
Throughout the afternoon, guests could tour the monastery and also enjoy lunch with the sisters. We wish our sisters to the North many blessings as the settle into their newly renovated home!
The newly renovated Chapel
Br. Tobias with Sr. Ann Marie, a Servite Sister from Omaha
Fr. Germar visits a sister in the renovated Infirmary
Prioress Sr. Kevin with Archbishop Curtiss
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