On the First Saturday of August 2024, the Oratory of the Holy Family received a great gift; we became the home of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. This was a historic day for the center as the Eucharist hasn’t been reserved here permanently since 1975 when the Sisters of the Precious Blood ended their residence here.
A lot of work went into turning the former sacristy/vesting room into a Eucharistic chapel. The altar formally used in the Oratory was restored and reinforced, and a new altar top was created to hold the tabernacle’s weight. Jeff Nix, with the providential help of Tim Worman, was able to restore and reuse a piece of marble from original Oratory altar (circa 1956). Curtains were hung, seats were arranged, praise was offered, and we waited for Jesus to come and make His home.
Our pastor, Father Louis Fowoyo, celebrated the Holy Mass for our pilgrims on that sunny morning. After communion, hymns were sung as our Lord was placed in the tabernacle. After Mass, pilgrims enjoyed a free lunch on the plaza, including cake! See it the highlights in video.
The staff is thrilled to have Jesus here present, and we know His presence will change everything. We are excited to see the outpouring of grace and the effects that it will have on our mission and our pilgrims. There could be nothing more fitting than having Him here; as always, when they come seeking Mary, they will find Jesus.
