Mary's Meadow Blessing and Dedication 2009

Under sunny skies and with a warm breeze wafting through the nearby trees, the Sisters of Providence Congregation joined with friends to celebrate the official Dedication and Blessing of Mary’s Meadow at Providence Place on Tuesday, September 15.

The picturesque setting for remarks was outside of The Garden, one of four newly constructed houses at 12 Gamelin Street. With a backdrop of the Connecticut River, the new ministry is the first of its type to open in Massachusetts.

Designed around the “Small House” concept, a social rather than a medical model in the delivery of long-term skilled nursing care, Mary’s Meadow also offers short-term rehabilitation services in a nontraditional setting.

Atty. Jack Ferriter, a long-time friend of the Sisters of Providence (SP), served as master of ceremonies for the 10:30 a.m. event. SP President Joan Mullen and Sister Mary Caritas, the two members of the SP Congregation who were pivotally instrumental on the project from conception to realization, were the main speakers.

The Most Reverend Bishop Timothy McDonnell, Bishop of Springfield, also offered his comments before officiating at the Blessing and Dedication of the houses and the central Our Lady of Providence Chapel.

Bishop McDonnell praised the Sisters for their foresight in meeting the needs of those in Western Massachusetts in the 21^st century, while also reflecting on the 100^th anniversary of the SP-sponsored Beaven Kelly Home that occurred a stone’s throw away – just a week ago.

   

   

Following his remarks, Bishop McDonnell, along with Deacon Thomas Callahan of Holy Cross Church in Holyoke, led a small contingent of Sisters to bless each individual house and the chapel. The first house that Bishop McDonnell entered was The Garden, where he stopped in every room to bless it with a prayer and holy water. Following The Garden area, Bishop McDonnell proceeded to the chapel and then to The Woodland (house.) Lastly, Bishop McDonnell blessed The Hillside and The Cloister (houses) where the Sisters reside and visited with each of them. The Most Reverend Joseph Maguire, Bishop Emeritus, was also in attendance to offer his well wishes.

Tours of The Garden and The Woodland, as well as the chapel, followed the Dedication and Blessing Ceremony.

Directions to Mary’s Meadow