Multiple celebrations for the Dubuque community marked the 175th Jubilee of the BVM congregation and completed Motherhouse renovation in early December.

City of Dubuque

Leaders of the civic community - city officials and two dozen members of the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors - visited the Motherhouse at noon on Dec. 7 for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the completion of the 18-month renovation. Mount Carmel's economic impact on Dubuque is significant, with 315 employees, and nearly 220 residents in the Mount Carmel complex.

Mayor Ray Buol, who is committed to making Dubuque a 'green city', praised the earth-friendly geothermal systems and other energy efficiencies in the 115-year old, 96,000 square foot building - one of the oldest and largest to undergo this conversion. "This is going to be held up as an example of how to do things right," he said. "I intend to share this with other U.S. mayors at our next conference."

City councilwoman Ann Michalski, who is also a BVM Associate, spoke of how BVMs have been true partners with the city and county for 165 years as teachers, in parishes, supporting human rights, and "contributing to the richness of the city."

BVMs and Associates

BVMs and Associates joyously joined in the first liturgy in the renovated chapel, fittingly on the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception. Sisters from the Dubuque area and beyond were present to renew vows and Associates renewed their promises. It was "a new moment for the entire Motherhouse," said BVM president Joellen McCarthy in her welcome.

She thanked BVM officers Mary Ann Zollmann, Regina Qualls and Margaret Mary Cosgrove for their "wisdom and steadfastness" as they "accompanied this project as they met endlessly with architects, construction personnel, contractors and Mt. Carmel personnel, were thanked for their "wisdom and steadfastness."

Underlying all is "the single unifying power of affection," said Mary Ann Zollmann in the homily. "In the process of renovating our home, we have also become a community renewed in love. How fitting it is that the Holy Family be newly revealed among us tonight."

She was referring to the stained glass window high above the sanctuary, covered over during a 1957 chapel renovation. "The bond of love visible in the Holy Family is lived by us . in the way of Mary.. She is God's sheer and utter affection made transparent in the life of a woman.."

Public Celebration

Saturday's festivities began with a ceremony of rededication of the Mount Carmel chapel. Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB, presided, accompanied by Motherhouse chaplain Msgr. James Barta. Construction leaders joined BVM Visioning Committee members and BVM officers, friends and benefactors.

This was a celebration of the larger church community. The Jubilee year has been named "a celebration of Presence and Partnership," said BVM President Joellen McCarthy in her welcome. "Your presence with us today gives such life to these words. Welcome to our Carmel Home."

After blessing and sprinkling the chapel, Archbishop Hanus spoke of this visit to the site of the BVM founding at St. Joseph Church, Philadelphia. He praised the BVMs as "creative and faithful", and important contributors to the growth of the Church in Iowa.

Blessing the halls and rooms of the Motherhouse, he prayed, "Protect all who live here from harm and may all who enter here know that in this place faith, hope and love abound. As they find shelter here, may they also find shelter in your abiding love."

For the next two hours, visitors filled the rooms and halls, welcomed by and reconnecting with BVMs, learning history from Sister docents, exclaiming over the beauty of the chapel and heritage rooms, peering into resident rooms, discovering the challenges of re-doing an old building, visiting over refreshments, writing the next chapter in the book of BVM life and mission.