GROUND-BREAKING FOR NEW OBLATE RESIDENCE IN D.C.

Even though the building permits are still “in process” for the new Oblate residence in Washington, D.C., next to the provincial offices, the ground-breaking for the new structure took place on Sunday, December 5, 2005.

The Oblate Superior General, Fr. Wilhelm Steckling, OMI, who had come from Rome to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, blessed the land.  On hand to turn over the first shovels of dirt were a number of other Oblates pictured below.

It is still uncertain when the building will actually begin.  The residence will be the home of  the provincial administration and other Oblates who minister in D.C.  There will also be 15 guest rooms for the many guests who have business with the provincial administration.

The new building will go up on the site of the former Oblate College, next to the provincial office building on Michigan Ave. N.E.

The Oblate groundbreakers l-r: Bro. Paul Hoemeke, Bishop Michael Pfeifer, Cardinal Francis George, Fr. Wilhelm Steckling, Archbishop Roger Schwietz, Fr. David Kalert, Fr. Louis Lougen, Fr. Louis Sondgeroth.

The groundbreakers with the provincial council, the Oblate community in D.C. and other guests.  The National Shrine and Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is in the background.