by Mary Ann Iaccino
On May 16, 2015 The Mother Angeline Heritage Center was blessed by The Most Rev. Howard J. Hubbard, D.D. The event was attended by the Carmelite Sisters General Council, both past and present, the Project Team responsible for the design and construction of the Center, and the artists whose work in glass, stone and wood captured the life of Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa, her companions, and the heritage of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm. Also in attendance were many Carmelite Sisters who journeyed to the Center for the blessing.
The Heritage Center offers a recount of the history of Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa and her six companions and origins of the Carmelite Sisters of the Aged and Infirm. The center is in view of Mother Angeline’s burial site on the grounds of St. Teresa’s Motherhouse. In the Exhibit Hall a timeline depicts the history of Mother’s life as well as the beginning and growth of the Congregation. Mother Angeline’s life and spirituality is illustrated in the Heritage Gallery with photographs, writings and artifacts. The Reflection Room offers a simple, quiet space that invites visitors to stop and ponder Mother’s life, spirit, and mission and to relate this to their own lives. The Grotto is an outdoor space with a sculpture of mother Angeline before the Blessed Sacrament, illustrating how she derived strength for her religious life and ministry.
Stillness. It was like I was entering sacred ground, I wanted to touch and see everything. Mother Angeline was such a visionary, her mission of love, is seen throughout this super inspiring filled virtual tour. That it makes me want to visit in person!