Official Opening of St. Brigid Villa and St. Francis of Assisi Chapel - 2/5/2010

Guelph- The Wellington Catholic District School Board, along with the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, Guelph, will be holding an official opening of their renovated Student Retreat and Ecology Centre (The Villa) and newly built Meditation Chapel on February 4, 2010 at 3:00 pm. 

"The Villa was originally built in 1964 as a summer holiday place for Jesuits," said Father Jim Profit, S.J., executive director. "Over the years it has been used for many different purposes, most recently as housing for those taking part in our farm internship program." he added.

In December of 2008, students enrolled in a construction course at three Catholic schools in Guelph took on the project of renovating The Villa. These students were guided by their teacher Brian Andres, under the supervision of Tambro Construction Ltd. The renovations were completed in Spring of 2009 and the building is now used by the School Board for student retreats. It is also used for the Ignatius ecology programs.

"The renovations of The Villa were made possible through funds raised by the school board's Bishop Dinners" said Don Drone, director of education and CEO of the school board. "This has been our major fundraiser for the past seven years."

Construction didn't stop there, however! This past fall, another group of students have constructed a 400 square foot Meditation Chapel. The Chapel will be used as a place of prayer for retreatants, people walking the land and students using The Villa.

The Official Opening will begin at 3:00 pm on Thursday, February 4^th, 2010. There will also be a Blessing Ceremony of the Chapel by Bishop Bergie, auxiliary bishop of the Hamilton Diocese. Food and refreshments will be available.  

"We are having an official opening to acknowledge the collaboration between the Ignatius Jesuit Centre and the school board and to celebrate the work of all the students." says Jim. "The work these young people have done is truly amazing."