Sisters Envision Place Of Ministry, Holy Reflection

NEBRASKA CITY – Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz blessed the 10 acres of land and the Franciscan Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother broke ground Saturday on a project that includes a new motherhouse and spiritual retreat center.

The Franciscan Sisters envision a holy place, that unifies people of the faith and invites others to draw close to Jesus.

 

“God’s Garden of Grace” is planned for a wooded area on the highlands north of Arbor Lodge State Park. Sister Kathleen Kilp said bricks recovered from the grounds will highlight a walking path and the Knights of Columbus are committed to construction of a permanent manger scene. A rosary walk, grottos and station of the cross are also planned.

The Spiritual Ministry Center will feature a chapel, lending library, guest rooms and multi-purpose room for community gatherings.

 

Sr. Cynthia said the ground breaking represent a huge step for the convent.

 

Sr. Cynthia: “It will allow us to expand and open our doors for more young ladies to discover, to see if God is calling them to a religious life and to have that vocation. It will allow us to expand in having room to welcome them into our convent and to share God’s message with others.”

For the past two years, the goal for completion has been Sept. 15, 2021.

 

Sr. Cynthia: “The reason that date is important is because it is our Lady of Sorrows feast day and that is within our title, the Franciscan Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother. So, within this year the whole building, the whole structure will be raised from the ground up unto the land and therefore we will be able to open our doors to have greater ministry presence for the people of Nebraska City and the surrounding communities.”

 

Bishop Bruskewitz, who had invited the sisters to come to the Lincoln Diocese 20 years ago, blessed the land and led the groundbreaking.

The sisters continue to take contributions for the project. https://www.facebook.com/NCFranciscanSisters

 

 

Sisters Cynthia Young, Ana Marie Solis and Kathleen Kilp broke ground on a $3 million motherhouse and spiritual center in Nebraska City