Cornerstone laid for Carmelite monastery east of Denmark

The Carmelite Sisters of Holy Name of Jesus Monastery laid the cornerstone for their new home east of Denmark on Aug. 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration.

Mother Mary Elizabeth, prioress, said the sisters chose that day because the chapel at the new monastery is dedicated to the "mystery of the Transfiguration."

The three bells for the bell tower were also blessed. The French-made bells are named for Peter, James and John, the apostles present at the Transfiguration, the prioress said.

The day began with a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Transfiguration at the Robinsonville monastery. Fr. Jude Peters, provincial for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Carmelite Province, presided. Concelebrating with him were about 30 priests, representing the Augustinian, Norbertine and Franciscan orders as well as diocesan priests.

The laying of the cornerstone followed at 12:30 p.m. A document about its blessing was placed inside first. Mother Mary Elizabeth said the sisters had designed the cornerstone, which reads: "Christ Yesterday, Today, and Forever."

The new building is about 60% complete. Contractors have promised the sisters they could be in by Christmas with final completion by Dec. 27.

Mother Mary Elizabeth said the monastery has three massive towers, which represent the three tents Peter wanted to build at the site of the Transfiguration.

She said applications to the community have been up since the new building was begun.

The new Holy Name of Jesus Monastery is located at the junction of County Highways T and KB, east of Denmark. The existing monastery is northeast of the City of Green Bay at Robinsonville, the location of the diocesan shrine or Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help. The address is 4047 Chapel Dr., New Franken.