Medieval Dreams to Monastic Reality

The New Windows AWESOME

2011-08-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

On July 19th, Bovard Studios got to work installing the recently completed Nine Choirs of Angels Windows (in the Nuns' Adoration Choir), as well as St. Pio and Bl. John Paul II (which we were funded for by donations received on the website! A great big thank you to everyone who donated for these windows). All of the windows look BEAUTIFUL and bring the chapel nearer and nearer to getting all the finishing touches. There are still 10 large Saint windows for which we are fundraising. Soon these will be listed on our website with an opportunity for you to donate online.

Enjoy the photos and check back soon for more updates!

Angel Windows

2011-06-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

REJOICE WITH US: In mid-July, Bovard Studios will be traveling to Our Lady of Solitude Chapel to install the 9 angel windows for the cloister Adoration choir, as well as St. Pio and Bl. John Paul II in the nave of the Church. Enjoy the latest progress photos:

Bit by Bit...

2011-04-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

Everyone seems to be asking us how we are preparing for the dedication of the chapel on May 7th. Bit by bit... A little bit here and a little bit there - and slowly things are really shaping up. On Saturday, Joe and Steve came to install the Tabernacles and the angels in the cloister chapel. WOW. It looks really awesome. Really, really awesome. Sr. St. Paul is busily making the altar linens and Sr. Esther Marie is busily preparing for all the sacristy needs. All the altar candles were delivered today! It's so exciting seeing everything shape up and near completion. The pews will be installed in about 2 weeks.

I hope you enjoy the latest photos!

Progress on the Angel Windows

2011-03-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

There has been much going on in the Bovard Studios in IA with our stained glass windows. With the recent donations, we were able to send Padre Pio to production as well as 8 of the 9 angel windows for the cloistered adoration chapel. Below are some of the progress shots of their production.

It's not too late to donate toward the Mother Teresa Window or the Pope John Paul II window...as well as several other windows that have not yet been paid for. Check out this link for all the details!

Turning Dreams to Reality In Many Different Ways!

2011-03-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

On February 12th, Heather and Bill Lattin (sister and brother-in-law to Sr. Marie Andre and Sr. Marie St. Paul) and friend Diane sponsored a dinner and silent auction to raise funds for Our Lady of Solitude Monastery. Local priests, friends, fellow parishioners all came to enjoy the fellowship and donate toward this cause. It was a joyful event - complete with taco bar, silent auction, and many nice people! We are so grateful for the funds raised through this event.

If you are interested in sponsoring a dinner to help raise funds for Our Lady of Solitude Monastery, please contact us: desertnuns@msn.com

Our Hearty THANKS to Heather, Bill, Diane, and all that made the night such a smashing success!!!

Meet Your Tour-Guide: Sr. John-Mark Maria!

2011-02-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

Wednesdays and Saturdays are busy days for Sr. John-Mark! Cars begin pulling into the parking lot at about 2:30 pm for a tour of the new church. People sign up for such a tour by emailing us and letting us know that they'd like to make the trek out to Tonopah to see the 'marvels of the Lord' here in this place of solitude and peace.

At first when we invited people to "COME AND SEE" via the website, we had no idea that so many people would come! Indeed it's been both inspiring and encouraging to see the interest and support of our local people. New friends from Tonopah, old friends from Phoenix, and new friends from all over come to visit Our Lady of Solitude Chapel!

After the Church is dedicated in May, we will post the times when it will be open to the public for Mass and Adoration. From now till then, tours will continue to be given on most Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you would like to COME AND SEE, email us to arrange a day and receive driving directions: desertnuns@msn.com

In the meantime, as we prepare for both the nun run and the upcoming dedication of the Church in May, please keep us in your prayers. If you are interested in financially contributing toward the cost of the pews, please contact us. We certainly will be appreciative and so very grateful! The pews will be installed at the end of March, and we are still praying that the Lord will send benefactors to assist with the cost. If He so inspires you, email Sr. Marie Andre at: desertnuns@msn.com

The "SON" is shining in Tonopah!

2011-01-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

Since moving to Tonopah, there have been many pleasant surprises! The beautiful skies are certainly among the wonderful surprises of Tonopah living! The night skies are so awesome - the stars shine so brightly. It is magnificent! And then, nearly every day, we have the most incredible sun rises and sun sets. Below are some recent pics to give you an idea. They photos below are courtesy of our neighbor Lynne and Br. Francis (who was able to snap a few amazing shots during his recent retreat).

Happy New Year to all of our faithful blog readers!

Some new shots of the chapel and A Pew with a View

2010-11-22T20:21:00.000-08:00

Hello to our faithful blog readers! Yes, there is still lots going on in the dreams to reality department :) Each morning when I wake up, look out the window and see that beautiful chapel looming majestically in the distance, I am in awe. "Yes, Lord, You do indeed turn dreams into reality."
I am a witness to it. Seeing that chapel with my own eyes will help me to remember that He is the Fulfiller of the hearts desires! Enjoy the photos below, taken by Mark Friskel as he flew over this past Saturday in a helicopter. Thanks, Mark, for the great shots!

You can get a sense of the lay of the land from these photos, with the Chapel to the north, the houses to the south, and the parking lot in between. The larger house is the Angelica Retreat House (which is currently the living quarters for the nuns as we raise funds for the actual monastery which will eventually be built on the north side of the Chapel).

As you can see, we are in desperate need of landscaping! A few trees, flowers, and bit of ground cover would do wonders for both the aesthetic aspect, as well as for keeping the dust at bay a bit! We would gratefully accept the donation of desert trees, scrubs, ground cover, flowers, fruit trees, etc. Gift cards to Moon Valley nursery would be much appreciated! If you were wondering what a good Christmas gift for the nuns would be, this would fit the bill!

We would also be grateful for advice! What grows good in the beautiful Arizona desert? What doesn't need a lot of water? What are some hearty plants that unskilled gardeners can't destroy? What is affordable, beautiful, will provide some shade, etc., etc.

To those who emailed asking for an online PEW WITH A VIEW order form, thanks for your patience. I will be adding a page soon! Hopefully within a week that will be available!

Just take another minute to look at the photos above. WOW. Thanks to each and everyone of you who helped turn this dream into a reality!!

New Beginnings

2010-10-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

First...to all who follow this blog...allow me to apologize for not updating this sooner. Preparing to move has consumed the better part of our days these last few months. And finally, it's happening! Once settled I look forward to sharing the details of the Chapel construction progress with you all. Be patient as we get our feet on the ground in our new home and get settled! Then blogs again will be a regular occurance.

Please make note of our new address:

Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration
Our Lady of Solitude Monastery
P.O. Box 639
Tonopah, AZ 85354

(note: our website and email info remains the same)

Thanks for your prayers as we make this transition!

Dreams...to reality - in the blink of an eye!

2010-09-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

We've all heard the saying: "Can't see the forest through the tree." Well, I believe this is how this whole construction project has been for us. Last year, when construction began, at least a few of us would head out to Tonopah to check things out. Stone by stone, we saw the form of a chapel begin. The year flew by and progress continued. As the months went on, our treks out to Tonopah became more and more frequent and the progress seemed to go more and more quickly. The reality of it all though has sunk in more slowly than the actual construction! :)

It wasn't until the cleaning crew came in at the beginning of this week to 'shine' everything up that it really hit me: OUR DREAM HAS TURNED INTO A REALITY - through the grace of God, the generosity of His children, and the hard work of many wonderful people.

Each step of this journey has been STEEPED in prayer - as is evident in the final product which is more beautiful than we dared to dream. Enjoy this video update below. We are still several months away from being able to have the Chapel consecrated (will keep you up to date on that) - as we await the completion of the pews and a few other interior appointments. But those months will fly by - as this past year has...and soon enough this beautiful chapel will be a place of prayer for the people of Phoenix! We look forward to that day as well!

More pics, at long last

2010-09-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

OK, everybody, at long last here are some additional photos...with more to come soon! The last few weeks have been incredibly busy, as things at the building site continue to speed along. You just gotta see the progress to believe it. Each day brings TONS of new and exciting progress. Several jaunts out to Tonopah are in the plans, so look for more photos soon!

Crucifix in the Sanctuary of the Church

The Nuns checking out the view from behind the cloister Mass choir grille!

"We love it!"

WOW... The floor is coming along beautifully!

Welcome home, Our Holy Father Francis!

You gotta see it to believe it!

2010-08-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

OK - there are somethings that you just gotta see to believe! The Reredos of Our Lady of Solitude Monastery are one of them! Well, you know what, as wordy as I can be...I will refrain this time...and just let these photos speak for themselves!

And the progress continues

2010-08-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

This is a very important week in the construction progress - as our friend and wood carver, Alexander began installing the reredos and other chapel appointments. As you can see in the photos below, everything arrived in tip-top shape - after it's long voyage across the ocean. Alexander began constructing the reredos today and will finish within a week. Joe is keeping us updated via photos - so we will be posting often in the next few days so you can share our excitement as well!

Steve and Sr. Augustine opening the doors that will adorn the top portion of the reredos. The symbolic Phoenix will be viewed from the cloistered side

The completed (or nearly completed) cloistered Mass choir

The reredos in many pieces...ready to be assembled

The star of david light in the vestibule

The Lamb of God doors will be viewed from the public side of the Chapel

The nearly completed chapel exterior - newly stuccoed portion above the columns looks awesome as does the precast entry way. WOW.

Stained Glass Installation

2010-08-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

Each time we go out to visit the chapel and see the progress, we are amazed at the progress. But on Saturday, August 7th, as the first 6 stained glass windows were installed in the chapel was something beyond amazing! Kudos to Bovard Studios for the fine job they did with the windows.

Sr. Augustine and myself were out there to see St. Francis installed. His face is spectacular. Then Sr. Esther Marie and Sr. John-Mark Maria arrived to see St. Clare, St. Anthony, St. Faustina, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Poor Clare window installed. It was an overcast day in the desert - yes, every now and again we have an overcast day! And it was actually cool in to the morning, dipping down to the low 80s. The Bovard installation crew enjoyed this relief from the heat. It may get hot in Iowa, but there's no heat the August Arizona sunshine. The sun made an appearance in the afternoon - long enough to light up all the vivid colors in the windows. Enjoy the video of the event below.

Fundraising continues on the remainder of the windows. Please consider donating towards these beautiful representations of our older brothers and sisters in the faith - the SAINTS! Click here to learn more about the windows! Our sincere THANKS go out to those who have donated for the windows. We look forward - with your financial help - to sending a few more windows into production soon!

Good Shepherds...

2010-07-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

Custom Good Shepherd floor tile for the public side of the Chapel

 "I am the good shepherd.  A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep."

Above you will see a medieval representation of the good shepherd. This custom made tile, designed by Michael Coster, shows Christ the Good Shepherd standing fearlessly before the ravening wolves. The Sacred Heart crowns the tile. I love this image. It will find its home on the public side of the chapel - to encourage those who visit to entrust themselves to the Good Shepherd - and to experience his strong protection. Other custom tiles highlight different events that draw the mind to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus. More tile photos to come!

Whenever I think of the Good Shepherd, I give thanks for the priesthood. How often have we experienced the shepherding of Our Lord through the guidance and care of a priest. We are blessed this week to have 2 wonderful priests and 1 amazing brother visiting with us. Each shine forth so uniquely different aspects of the Good Shepherd. Long time friend Fr. Jim Parker, from the Diocese of Rockford, is visiting! Br. Francis, CFR, is visiting as well. He brought his long-time spiritual father, Fr. John Newman from Bradford, England. It is wonderful to get to know Fr. Newman! And see the Good Shepherd continue to care for his sheep through these 3 wonderful men of God...

Joe, Br. Francis, Fatima, Steve, Sr. Marie St. Paul, Fr. Newman in newly painted cloistered Adoration Chapel


Joe and Fr. Newman checking out the view from the reredos. Where they are standing is the exact place where the Tabor and Monstrance will be enshrined. The reredos will be assembled by the carver, Alexander, in September. For those who have donated for the reredos, the book containing your names and prayer intentions will be placed at the feet of Jesus

The primer paint has been applied to the main portion of the Chapel

Sr. Marie Andre with prayer warrior, Fr. Jim Parker!

Sr. Marie St. Paul and Joe! What a great photo...

Da Dome!!!! Also see the parking spots in the background. YAY

Loving all those angles!

Cloistered Adoration Chapel - the altar will be placed where the workman is standing.

view into the cloistered Adoration chapel. The windows there will eventually be the nine choirs of angels. 3 of which are being sent to production. Pics to follow soon.

Stained Glass Window Update!

2010-07-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

When Bovard Studios sent the email with these photos, I wish you could have heard the Sisters' reactions. We are SO PLEASED with this window. Our Lady looks so beautiful and life like. It's the face of Our Mother...how could we not rejoice!! This round rose window will be seen as you enter the Chapel - holding pride of place which is fitting since Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of Phoenix (and the Queen of our hearts). Her consoling words wrap the window: AM I NOT HERE WHO AM YOUR MOTHER? Bovard is now painting and leading this window! Thank you Al and Donna Gillis, whose generosity brought this window into reality!

Below we see one of the Bovard employees hard at work cementing the St. Clare window. Our thanks go out to the Kline Family for donating for this awesome window of our foundress!

Don't forget there are several giving opportunities for other windows! We are heading out to the site to see the progress on Thursday - so I promise another update soon!

July Progress

2010-07-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

10 weeks and counting until the construction on the Chapel is completed. Then there will be some finishing up on the interior appointments - but the main construction will be done. WOW. Below is a video of the July progress thus far.

Also, below are some of the latest and greatest photos. Most of them are included in the video, but if you want a closer look or a longer look, I wanted to include them as well.

Here's Joe's update from yesterday:

The roof tile is nearly complete with just the loggia and pumphouse to finish. The exterior stone and precast is complete with the exception of the column wraps and narthex entry. The exterior trim is being painted at this time and the stucco will be cured enough for paint in about a week. Sidewalks, curbs, stairs, ramps and paving are complete. Time to start fine grading the site and clean up. The water tank will be leak tested and disinfected this week so that the fire pump can go online and bring water to the Chapel. APS should be installing the meters and bringing us power this week. The Chapel interior is progressing as follows. The chapel precast columns are underway and should be complete within the next week. The high dome molding is in place and they will begin the low radius molding tomorrow. Window trim in the chapel is complete with the adoration chapel windows finishing up this week as well. Stucco crews are finishing the interior of the dome and adoration chapel today. Scaffolding in these areas will start coming down soon. Tile flooring is installed throughout the Priest’s vestry area, hallway, restrooms and parlor. They will be moving through the loggia and sacristies this week. The Vestries, restrooms, confessionals and parlor are all painted as well as the loggia and sacristies. Light fixtures are being installed in all painted areas at this time. The beam wraps and sprinkler work in the chapel are complete. The entire chapel ceiling will be painted later this week. Chapel walls are to be painted next week.

June Progress Video

2010-06-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

June has been a month of much progress...and more to come before the month closes out next week! Enjoy this video that will get you up to date on the latest. There are lots of things on the burner, so to speak! So please check back soon for updates.

Rejoice: we have sidewalks!

2010-06-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in this progress report. Joe sent these pics to us yeterday. I looked at them in amazement. So much is getting done! Amazingly enough, with all the progress (and it truly is amazing), what I got most excited about was the SIDEWALKS! :)

Here is Joe's more technical update:

Sorry it’s been a few weeks since I’ve updated you. You will see that things just keep rolling right along. The exterior of the Chapel is rapidly coming to completion with the slate being applied to the dome, the windows being installed in the dome and the exterior stone being nearly finished. The flat roof over the vestries and confessionals was completed on Friday and the concrete roof tile will begin next week after the scaffold comes down from the dome.

You will see in the photos that the adoration chapel and sanctuary are completely stuffed with scaffolding. From these frightening platforms men are applying the high pieces of precast around the dome windows, the molding that surrounds the dome, stucco and soon paint. I white-knuckled it to the top with Steve on Friday to catch the view from the dome windows that only a handful of us lucky people will ever experience.

The stucco is complete in the main chapel and in mass choir. It looks amazing even without paint! Precast is being applied to the interior Narthex entrance and they start wrapping the chapel columns today!! The walls and ceilings have all been insulated, especially the confessionals. Steve and I tested them out by screaming in horror. Couldn’t hear a thing.

Walls and ceilings will be closed up by the end of this week with taping and spackling starting up right away.

The site development is well underway. Curb and gutter are complete. The pavers will be on site next Monday to start the parking lot. Sidewalks are poured along with the ramp and stairs to the piazza.

Hope you enjoy the photos!! How bout those sidewalks!!!!!!! :)

Wait till you see what's been goin' on!

2010-05-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

It's been about 2 weeks since I've been out to see the progress. However most of the other Sisters have been making a few trips each week to see what's goin' on. When I look at these pics, I can hardly believe it. I don't think I will recognize the place when I get out there ;)

OK, I want to quote from Joe again:

Let’s start from the top. The precast dome ribs start getting installed today along with some waterproofing. This should take about a week. This will be followed by the slate tile. Stone veneer will start to wrap the base of the dome as well as the remaining portions of the east elevation. Precast window surrounds at the Adoration Chapel are well under way and should be complete this week. The arches along the exterior walkway are being framed and sheathed and will receive stucco. The painter is working his way around the building staining all exposed wood. The roofer will be drying in the Adoration Chapel this week. The stucco on the north elevation and pump house is in its brown (2nd) coat and curing. On the inside we have the stucco crew erecting scaffold in the main chapel preparing to start the plaster finish tomorrow. Interior precast continues up and around the arches to the altar, mass choir and adoration chapel. The Mass choir and Adoration chapel will receive their steps this week. Sheetrock is going up in the vestries, confessionals and restrooms. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing are installing their material in the walls and ceilings. The site is starting to take shape with curb and gutter going down. Sidewalks and hardscape will be going down in the next few weeks.

Now that we got all that down, let's look at the pics!!! WOW...

Stained Glass Windows

2010-04-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

Bovard Studios, in Iowa, has been hard at work on some of our stained glass windows - completed some and working on the drawings for others. Below you will get a glimpse of them. WOW. So lovely!

As donors come forward for each window, they are sent into production. There are still many windows that are waiting for donors to purchase them. If you are interested, please get into contact with Sr. Marie Andre who will be happy to fill you in on all the details. More to come on the windows soon.

Joe sent an update a few days back. We will be going to the land again on Saturday - so look for another photo update soon. Enjoy Joe's news: "Last Saturday, the framers really knocked it out of the park by framing the exterior walls of the Mass Choir, the sacristies, confessionals, parlor, restrooms and priest's vestry. That was awesome. It really opens up the job for many other trades this week including the electrician, plumber and HVAC.

On Monday the framer began laying out the arches that will surround the sanctuary, mass choir and adoration chapel. They have committed to complete the arches and the interior column framing by the end of this week. Monday morning also welcomed back the masons as they begin to close in the east end of the Chapel which will define the loggia and most importantly to Sister Andre and all the Sisters I'm sure, the adoration Chapel. They hope to be complete a week from Wednesday. They will be followed by the framers who will promptly frame the radius roofs.

The framers put a roof on the Mass choir and are continuing work on the covered walkway. Stone and precast installation continues on the exterior and the plan is to begin interior Chapel precast this week.

More from Joe...

2010-04-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

This morning Joe sent us a newsy email detailing all the 'goings on' at the building site. Below you'll read the crux of his email! Hope you enjoy it. Several trips to Tonopah are scheduled in the next week - as we have many out of town visitors (family and friends) - so expect more photos and more news soon!

"As the sun was rising this morning over Tonopah, concrete was falling into the forms that make up the Sanctuary, Adoration Chapel, Loggia, Mantle Room, and ramp / storage in sacristies. You will be standing on level ground the next time you enter the Chapel.

The covered walkways are nearing completion and the roofer will begin drying in the building this week. The framers will be complete all the way to the east gable by the end of the week. The Narthex roof framing is complete. Masons will start closing in the Loggia and Adoration Chapel next Monday!

Stone workers should begin work on the large rose window above the Narthex this week as well as continue stone application around the Chapel."

Thanks for the  update Joe!  

Keep up the good work! 

A Photo Update - more details to come soon

2010-04-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

A roof over our heads! The two photos above were taken in the cloister sacristy.
Sr. Esther Marie was particularly excited - as she serves as Sacristan for our community.
It is amazing that even in this uncompleted state, it really 'feels' like sacristy in there!!!
In the other cool photo you are standing in the cloister sacristy looking toward the cloister loggia!
It was awesome to have a roof over our heads :)

Here is the outside view of the area where I took the first photo.
Doesn't the stone look awesome! YAY

I love this shot. Seeing the wooden ceiling beams go in is so exciting.
The steel beams will be covered in a wood overlay as well. WOW...it is so exciting :)

Joe and Steve pointing out some of the other progress to Sr. Marie St. Paul.

Easter JOY

2010-04-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

I hope your Easter is a holy and happy one. Note: I said IS, not WAS. It's still Easter Day - how glorious it is to be Catholic. We celebrate Easter Day for 8 days (called the Easter Octave). It's too glorious a celebration to contain it to one day. And we celebrate the Easter Season for 50 days! YAY.

Anyway, this glorious Easter Monday we were greeted with some FANTASTIC photos from Joe. What a gift from our Risen Savior! Below is a sampling of them.

To quote from Joe's newsy email: The Chapel and Priest vestry slabs are poured. The underground ductwork is going in at the Sanctuary, Mass Choir, Adoration Chapel and Loggia. The painter stained all the roof decking (it looks great). The framers are starting the Chapel roof today (awesome) as well as anything else that is available to them. The stone is going up on the south, west and north today. Precast window molding continues. Lots going on.

A trip is planned for later this week, so stay tuned for more photos!

Stone by Stone...Step by Step

2010-03-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

Today Sr. Augustine and Sr. John-Mark headed out to Tonopah with some dear friends to check out the Chapel progress. As you can see in the photos below we were DELIGHTED with the progress. Seeing the stone on the chapel is so awesome! It's really taking shape. How beautiful! We hope you enjoy the photos as well. Have a most blessed remainder of Holy Week and a glorious Easter!

The stone going on the front side of the chapel (west side)

Wow...it's really beginning to look like a Church!!!


The stone is going on the south wall of the Chapel!

Sr. John-Mark Maria, Laurie Parks, Tom Parks, Deacon John Parks, Sr. Augustine, and Pam

A New Photo Collage

2010-03-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

Below is a photo collage from the Sisters visit to the land yesterday. As you can see, everything is progressing according to schedule.

In the top left photo you see the Mass Choir (where the trenches are) and the Vestry. On the third row is the mock up of the stone, precast, and roof tile. This is the combo that we are going with. The Sisters said it really looks beautiful. From the photos, it seems like it works perfectly.

To the right of the mock up, jetting off of the chapel, are the sacristies (both the cloister and the extern sacristies).

Bottom row, on the right, you can see the precast going up. It looks so beautiful!

Hope you enjoy these updated photos. More to come soon!

P.S. To see the photos larger, simply click on the collage.

A New Rendering

2010-03-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

We hope you enjoy the newest and most up to date rendering of the chapel - courtesy of our architect, Carlos! Soon enough renderings won't be necessary - as the reality of the chapel will be completed! September is right around the corner! The colors are loosely based on the actual stone and roof tile.

With all the Nun Run hype, we have not been out to the building site for a bit. We hope to get out there next week and update you with all the 'ins and outs' and some new photos. So hold tight for that!

Stepping off a curb...

2010-03-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

We've been talking with various friends - all of whom can't help but show their surprise that the Chapel is going up so quickly. Delay after delay, month after month, we waited for it all to begin. At that point, it seemed like nothing would ever happen. "But that was yesterday...and yesterday's gone!" :)

And now, only 3 months into construction, we see unbelievable progress. It's a bit mind boggling. When we were interviewing construction companies way back when, we had so many questions...all of which seemed to us to be insurmountable. To our barrage of questions, I remember Fritz from Haydon Building Corp saying: (this is a paraphrase) For us, building is like stepping off the curb.

Now I think we all agree that stepping off the curb isn't so hard. This response calmed alot of the pre-construction jitters: It's like stepping off a curb for people who know what they are doing!!! How comforting. And we've seen that Fritz was right. This thing is happening - and it is glorious to witness.

With this said: construction still isn't like stepping off the curb for us! And things don't always make sense. The lingo still escapes us at time - and we rely on Joe to translate things to 'nun language'. So, below, not only are the photos but also his comments. Hope you enjoy!

From Joe: "You will notice that the Narthex is coming along as well as the two gables that will form the cruciform. The chapel floor is all excavated right now for the ductwork and the masons are ready to bring up the east gable over the Adoration Chapel. Monday, the septic tank and leaching fields start going in!"

Site Tour

2010-02-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody. We ventured out the website earlier this week and took the good ole flip video camera (thanks Jill for this WONDERFUL gift). Hope you enjoy the little tour of the site. Towards the end of the video, Sr. Marie St. Paul gives you the low down the positioning and lay out of the modular homes. ENJOY!!!!

The Dome has found its home...

2010-02-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

What an awesome day! The dome was lifted and looks so beautiful atop the chapel. If you are driving on I-10 West near Tonopah, you can see it in the distance! WOW. Step by step we see this dream turning into a reality. We hope you enjoy the photos and video! Join us in thanking Our Lord for the wonders of this day. Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us!

High in the Tonopah Sky...

2010-02-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

What weighs 30,000 lbs and can perch 75 feet in the sky? The DOME on the Chapel of Our Lady of Solitude in Tonopah, AZ! After the remaining materials are placed on the dome (after it is hoisted to its perch), the total weight will be nearly 60,000 lbs. The top of the cross will be at 75' above finished floor elevation.
Tomorrow this 28 foot high dome will be hoisted! Pray for the success of this endeavor. Our God is an amazing God! I will upload video and photos of the event ASAP! Our Lady of Lourdes, Ora Pro Nobis!

More Progress

2010-01-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

OK everybody...: More progress!!! It's been a little slow with the progress as AZ was doused with rain for several days - good for the desert, bad for construction. So this string of storms slowed down things a bit. But the workers are workin' again and progress is progressing :)

The dome hoisting was a bit delayed with the rain as well. Mid-February is the new anticipated time. We'll keep you posted as it approaches. Here's another video for you to enjoy! Let us know what you think! Also be sure to check out the photos on the main blog page!

Video Progress

2010-01-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

Today the Sisters and I went to the construction site and were blown away by the progress. The walls are over 20 ft high and the dome is constructed and on site. It's hard to get a good idea of the size of everything from the photos, so we brought a video camera. Below is a video that will help you to get a better idea of things. It's absolutely marvelous to see how the Lord is working! To see this dream turning to a reality right before our very eyes is such a testament to the power of Divine Providence. On the main blog are some additional photos. But be sure to watch the video below as well. More info will be forthcoming - and next week the dreams to reality page will begin to be updated. Please continue to check back frequently for updates!

Extra, Extra, Read all About it!

2010-01-06T20:48:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

At long last...some progress!

2010-01-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

To all of you who have faithfully checked back to this page for updates...and didn't find them - Allow me to apologize! I've been utilizing the home page of desertnuns.com for updates and have failed to keep this portion of our website up to date.

With everything going on now and so much progress happening, we've decided to use a blog in order to keep everyone up to speed on construction updates, fundraising goals, and progress photos, and upcoming events.

To the kind person who emailed - as a possible contributor - asking for updates...I just want to say: Thanks for the inspiration! I think this sort of approach will enable me to keep all of our family, benefactors, and friends 'in the loop' - so to speak!

Thanks for your patience and thanks for keeping me on task here! The links to the left are still a bit out of date, but gradually that will be all caught up soon. As the pages are updated, I will let you know on this main page!

It is beyond exciting - seeing the construction process proceed now so rapidly. With construction meetings every 2 weeks, we are on site more often and able to see first hand the wonders the Lord is doing! Thanks to our good friend, Jill, we now have a little "Flip" camera that will enable us to take videos of the progress as well and post them on the blog. Lots to look forward to!

Hope you enjoy these two photos from Christmas Eve at the site...as the SON was rising! The walls just keep on risin'! THANK YOU JESUS. Also, meet two of our newest collaborators: Alex and Christian. They are the children of our project manager, Joe Napadano!