The Apostle of Charity Residence, as seen coming up from the Church of the Assumption.

Oil & Water:

Dedication of the Mary, Mother of God Chapel & Blessing of the Apostle of Charity Residence

Conventional wisdom and physical science both tell us that mixing oil and water is a difficult (if not impossible) trick to pull off. But on the weekend of July 21-23, oil and water mixed beautifully in Perryville, Missouri. On that weekend, the Congregation of the Mission Midwest Province dedicated the new residence at their mother house, St. Mary’s of the Barrens, located on land where the Vincentians first arrived in 1818.

The oil came in the form of Sacred Chrism – a mixture of olive oil and sweet-smelling balsam – which is consecrated by the local bishop every year just before Easter. Chrism is most familiar to Catholics in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders, but it is also used in the consecration of altars and churches. As such, it was used by Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis on the evening of July 21, 2006. In a very solemn and historical Mass, the Archbishop presided over the consecration of the new altar and chapel, named in honor of Mary, Mother of God. Attending this liturgy were Vincentians from the three western provinces of the United States, and a few special guests.

The water came the following day in the form of holy water used to bless the Apostle of Charity Residence, named after a title commonly given to St. Vincent de Paul.

On that temperate, sunny morning, 275 Vincentians and guests gathered in the Church of the Assumption and participated in sung Common Prayer, led by Father Jim Swift, CM, Provincial Superior of the Midwest Province.  After Common prayer, the ministers and guests proceeded up the driveway to the front door of the new residence, where the blessing ceremony took place.

The honor of sprinkling the new building went to the former provincials, Fathers John Gagnepain and William Hartenbach, CM; and the current provincials of the Province of the West and the Southern Province, Fathers Andrew Bellisario and Daniel Borlik, CM, respectively. Afterwards, a light brunch was served inside, and everyone was able to tour the entire building.

Two open house events were also held over the weekend: one Saturday afternoon and one Sunday afternoon. Overall, about 1,000 people came to see and tour the Apostle of Charity Residence over the two and a half days.

Archbishop Burke speaks during the Mass dedicating the Chapel.

The celebration continued with a festive dinner in the new dining room. Pictured clockwise from left: Frs. Lou Derbes, Bob Wood, and Tom Esselman, CM; Brother Stan Conner, CM; and Frs. Tom Hinni, Alphonse Hoernig and Ignatius Melito, CM.