Present interior of “old dorm.”
After several weeks of hard work the company carrying out the abatement and inner demolition work in our old dorm has completed its work. The completion of this first phase of the renovation project allows us a better sense of the space available and how this might suit our plans for the building. Our architect, Tim Machado will continue assisting us in finalizing the renovation plans and coordinate with the building contractors once the project gets underway. In the meantime, work will begin on improving drainage around the old dorm and Cool Spring House (The Mansion).
Laurel LaCivita says
I’m happy for you, that you are doing this work. I keep worrying that you will pack up and move away! We need you monks, HERE!
Bill Nolte says
We keep seeing what looks like increases in diocesan seminarians — brave young men, all things considered — and in some orders of consecrated religious women. (I teach part-time at Catholic University, and it seems that each time I park in the garage I see vans full of joyful young women, especially Dominicans, loading or unloading.) Maybe, God willing, we’ll see a turn in monastic vocations.
One other thought: I’m active in helping the Catholic Student Center at the University of Maryland, and I’m inspired — literally, inspired — by the reaction of our students to the Pennsylvania grand jury report. To use a wonderful comparison set out by the columnist Michael Gerson, they are choosing the “Franciscan Option,” i.e., be part of the rebuilding, over the “Lutheran Option,” i.e., leave. They are the young talent, courage, and faith that will carry Holy Mother Church through these times.