Just days after our big move to New Market, Bishop Stika came to celebrate Mass and bless the Chapel, Oratory, and cells of our house that we will initially occupy. Thanks to the hard work of many volunteers and laborers under the guidance of Jimmy Dee, the garage was transformed in record time into a lovely, prayerful Chapel where we can have Mass. Jimmy Dee and Scott Maentz worked nearly until midnight the day before the Mass to finish installing the pews the Knights of Columbus had moved from Benton and they also set up the sound system.
On Sunday afternoon, Bishop Stika and Cardinal Rigali arrived and proceeded with Mass, blessing the Chapel, Oratory, and cells of the house on the ridgetop followed by a tour of the property where the monastery will eventually be built as an addition and adaptation of the lodge.
Once again, we cannot thank Our Lord enough for the kindness and generosity of Bishop Stika in welcoming us into his Diocese and making it possible for us to move here and transition so peacefully.
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- Bishop Stika, Cardinal Rigali, Handmaids and Frassati friends walking the grounds near the lodge.
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- Jimmy and Valerie Dee with Mother Marietta
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- Handmaids enjoy one of their first sunsets at the house on the ridge in New Market.
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- Sunset from our new home.