A new era: A beautiful addition
By Kris Leonhardt
As the Sisters of St. Joseph convent enters a new era, we take a look at the order’s formation and the creation of their facilities, along with their ongoing stewardship in the community.
Continued from previous week
In February 1965, ground was broken on a $1.5 million expansion including a new chapel and infirmary.
On Oct. 31 of that year the cornerstone was placed during a ceremony led by Rt. Rev. Msgr. John J. Paul, La Crosse Catholic Diocese vicar general, as the bishop, Frederick Freking was in Rome.
The stone contained a sealed copper box with mementos and documents placed by the Sisters of St. Joseph, including: blueprints of the building and grounds, photos of the general administration, names of the sisters, other historic photos, copies of publications compiled by the sisters, newspaper clippings of the project, clippings regarding the bishop and pope, mementos from the Maria High School students, and other items.
At the time of the placement, the convent was serving as the motherhouse to the province, covering Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Construction went along slower than anticipated and it wasn’t until Christmas of 1966 that the altar was used for the first time. With light radiating onto the altar from the skylight above, Rev. Henry Lee and Rev. Richard Fliss said mass for the first time in the new chapel.
On Jan. 15, 1967, the altar was consecrated in services conducted by Rev. Frederick Freking, Rev. Francis Piekarski, Rev. Duane Lapanski, Rev. James Biechler, Rev. John Wisneski, and Rev. Charles J. Hiebl.
Bishop Freking, along with Bishop George A. Hammes of Superior and Bishop John B, Grellinger of Green Bay, were present when the completed chapel and infirmary were officially dedicated on May 1.
Along with the skylight high above the altar, the chapel boasted near floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows, designed by Sister M. Laureen of the Maria High art department and created by Conrad Pickel Studio, Inc. The windows on one side were representative of St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of the Sun,” while the other side featured the “joys of Mary and Joseph.”
The altar was made of red and clay color marble from Italy.
The infirmary, built in an L-shape, consisted of three levels. The lower level housed those operating services in the covent, while the second floor had 18 private rooms for “self care” and the top floor had room for 16 intensive care patients.
Continued next week