On Sunday October 18th, 2015, Bishop Stika celebrated Mass at our Chapel in our Mater Dei building before proceeding on to the former lodge down the hill to bless Cor Jesu Monastery. Both the building (now called Mater Dei) and the rustic lodge (now called Cor Jesu Monastery) have undergone extensive repairs and renovations in a very short period of time, even while Handmaids have occupied the facilities.
During his visit, Bishop Stika enjoyed a tour of all the repairs and improvements inside and out. We are grateful for all the workers and volunteers good Saint Joseph has sent into our lives to transform this property into a beautiful place of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration. Though the work is far from complete and represents only the initial phase of our settlement here, it is a large step toward building the first cloistered Motherhouse in East Tennessee. DEO GRATIAS!
A Ciborium used at the Papal Mass in Philadelphia and presented as a gift from His Eminence Cardinal Rigali
A special note to the day was the gift that Bishop Stika brought and used during the Mass. Cardinal Rigali had received a ciborium that was used during the Papal Mass in Philadelphia during the recent World Meeting of Families and asked Bishop Stika to present it to us on his behalf. As we had kept in close prayer the entire Papal visit to the U.S. and particularly the World Meeting of Families, we were greatly touched and will treasure this gift and more so, the kindness and generosity of the Cardinal in thinking of us.
We share some photos of the blessing as well as more of the gorgeous views the Lord has blessed us with along the Holston River.
-
- The morning sun lights up the Holston river fog and our gate and fence.
-
- Rolling fog through the side gate at the front drive.
-
- Our Shepherd blessing the recently occupied Cor Jesu Monastery building.
-
- Bishop Stika blesses Handmaids and guests.
-
- Can there be any better protection for plumbing problems than a Bishop blessing the hot water tanks and laundry?
-
- Enjoying a tour of the upper deck and the repairs and renovations
-
- Bishop Stika explores the new exterior stair from the second deck
-
- A Ciborium used at the Papal Mass in Philadelphia and presented as a gift from His Eminence Cardinal Rigali