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In Dubuque, Convergence of Celebrations |
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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.” For many of the 30-plus visitors, this was their first time inside the building; a tour following the ceremony showcased the heritage rooms and chapel and some of the energy-efficient equipment.
BVMs and Associates That evening 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.” Underlying all is “the single unifying power of affection,” said Mary Ann Zollmann in the homily. These bonds “have been strengthened by the generosity we have experienced these past months”—of residents who had to leave and those who stayed, of volunteers, of sisters who had to postpone moving to Mt. Carmel, of prayerful support from far and wide. “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 and newly rediscovered.
“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….” “For 175 years we BVMs have been giving birth to God's love, co-creating the family of God's love. Much of the time we just go about our daily living; we take it for granted that love is what we are about in all that we are and do. “Yet, there are times when we want and need nothing more than to come home again, to gather around our table of plenty where we make our loving conscious, celebrate the beauty and power of who we are, and recommit ourselves to the family affection at our origins. Today is one such time.” 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 his visit to the site of the BVM founding at St. Joseph Church, Philadelphia, and presented Joellen with a colored photo of himself at the church “as historic evidence.” 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.
About the author: Mira Mosle, BVM is director of communications for the congregation and editor of SALT. Return to Table of Contents. |
