The Wellington Catholic District School Board and the Ignatius Jesuit Centre here will be holding an official opening of their renovated student retreat and ecology centre, The Villa, and newly built Meditation Chapel on Feb. 4, at 3pm.
“The Villa was originally built in 1964 as a summer holiday place for Jesuits,” said executive director Father Jim Profit. “Over the years it has been used for many different purposes, most recently as housing for those taking part in our farm internship program.”
In December of 2008, students enrolled in a construction course and three Catholic schools in Guelph took on the project of renovating The Villa. The students were guided by teacher Brian Andres, under the supervision of Tambro Construction Ltd. The renovations were completed last spring and the building is now used by the school board for student retreats. It is also used for the Ignatius ecology programs.
“The renovations of The Villa were made possible through funds raised by the school board’s Bishop Dinners,” said Don Drone, director of education and Chief Executive Officer of the school board. “This has been our major fundraiser for the past seven years.”
Construction did not stop there. Last fall, another group of students constructed the 400 square foot Meditation Chapel. It will be used as a place of prayer for retreats, people walking the land, and students using The Villa.
The official opening will include be a blessing ceremony of the Chapel by Paul Bergie, auxiliary Bishop of the Hamilton Diocese. Food and refreshments will be available.
“We are having an official opening to acknowledge the collaboration between the Ignatius Jesuit Centre and the school board, and to celebrate the work of all the students,” said Profit. “The work these young people have done is truly amazing.”
