On Saturday, September 25th, a number of friars, friends and benefactors were able to join the friars of St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh for the long-delayed dedication and blessing of our new building. Bishop David Zubik of the local diocese was able to celebrate the Mass and blessing for us. The Mass also marked the "Consecration of the Altar," even though the rite had to be a tad abbreviated because of a no-incense restriction
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The blessing of the new annex to the friary had to be limited given the bishop's schedule, but he was able to follow the Mass with a blessing of the friary's living room and dining room before he moved on to the blessing of the new Hyacinth Epp Hall, created to host our larger events. The complex, completed in March of 2020 was delayed due to our pandemic, but having the ability to gather with our friars, families and friends was itself a wonderful blessing.
The compound also hosts our new Ministry Center, home of our ministry to young adults (The Port), our Provincial Offices, our historical Archives and the Third-floor friary annex, where our senior friars can be cared for at home and where nursing and therapeutic care is available. God bless the many benefactors who contributed and supported our true Blessing.
