Groundbreaking: January 15, 2012
On Sunday January 15th, 2012, we celebrated our groundbreaking with hundreds of donors, parishioners, friends, and local media in attendance. A special Mass took place in the newly renovated St. Monica Catholic High School gymnasium with special guest Bishop Edward W. Clark as celebrant. Immediately following the Mass, the groundbreaking ceremony commenced in the small parking lot adjacent to the Duval Center with coffee and pastries hosted by the St. Joseph Center’s Culinary Training Program. The master of ceremonies for the event was campaign Co-Chair, Bruce Willison. Featured special guest speakers included, Mayor Richard Riordan and Rick Caruso. Both Bishop Clark and Msgr, Lloyd Torgerson blessed the ground and the crowd before taking part in a ceremonial burial of the Relic of St. Andre Bessette, a miracle worker from Montreal who was known to welcome all who came to his community. Msgr Torgerson led the first shoveling of breaking ground, and joined in the demolition of part of the Pastoral Center wall. We are thankful for all of the people who helped support us in this memorable event.