NEBRASKA CITY (SNR) – Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz presided at the Sept. 12 groundbreaking for a motherhouse and spiritual center of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother in Nebraska City.
He was joined by master of ceremonies Father Daniel Rayer, area priests Father Thomas Schultes, Father Ryan Kaup, Father Timothy Danek and Father Jonathan Haschke, as well as the Sisters, benefactors, and supporters.
The Sisters’ new home will, first and foremost, enable them to open the door for vocational growth, and will also provide an academic environment. The Sisters have served in the Diocese of Lincoln since 2000, assisting in parishes and offering catechetical instruction, Scripture studies, days of recollection, prayer and more.
“Tremendous praise and thanksgiving goes out to God for His abundant graces and blessings and for the many generous donors who have helped to make this … a true reality by their dedicated prayers, financial generosity, and loving support,” said Sister Cynthia, O.S.F.
The new construction will also include a prayer garden, “God’s Garden of Grace,” allowing visitors to encounter God through various prayer experiences: sitting before the Infant Christ in the manger of Bethlehem, contemplating His humble presence; calling upon the Virgin Mary’s intercession while praying the rosary along a decorative stone rosary path; meditating on Christ’s passion and death and His unfathomable gift of salvation before stations of the cross, and more.
“Heedful of the fast-paced world of today, its struggles and anxieties, and seeing how our modern culture is robbing millions of people of inner peace and spiritual joy, this Spiritual Center is a timely gift for all,” said Sister Kathleen, O.S.F.
Construction has begun with a hopeful scheduled completion date of May 13, 2021.
Charitable contributions are welcome and may be sent directly to the Sisters at 1503 4th Corso, Nebraska City, NE 68410-2628.
