Elizabeth House Blessing

Saturday (1-31-2026) was the day we were all waiting for to celebrate the blessing of Elizabeth House #1. The Mass at 10:00 AM included much singing and dancing by the children of Star of Hope Orphanage.  Our team could sense the joy of the students in the atmosphere.  The children danced in the entrance procession and throughout the Mass whenever there was music.  The team members were in the offertory procession:

Elizabeth Cole (Sr. Toni’s niece) brought up the dedication plaque (see picture) and John Cole brought up a bag of inflated soccer balls. Bridget Flood and Toni Ponder carried in school supplies, sandals, and books.  Sisters CJ and Toni brought up the Bread and Wine.

Giving Thanks

At the end of Mass, Sr. Maria Goretti, the superior of the Precious Blood Sisters, thanked us and introduced us to the contractor, architect, team of electricians and plumbers, the project manager and daily communicator who was the overseer of the project.  It was amazing to see their commitment to the children of Star of Hope, evidenced by their going the extra mile and caring for the children.

Then, the priest blessed Elizabeth House with holy water-- every room, on all three floors, the children, the sisters and the guests following behind.

Following the blessing, Sister Toni was asked to speak. She said, “I told the students how much we care for them and that they are family to us.  We are proud of them and are with them now and in the future.  Elizabeth House will be the sustaining project to guarantee our continued support for them.”  Sister Toni thanked the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood for letting us partner with them. “We make a good team: Sisters here on the ground and our friends who give donations making projects like this happen.”

Sister Toni went on to thank the contractor, architect, and workmen for their obvious care and attention to this project.  Within this last week there were over 100 workmen on site to complete the house enough for this celebration. It is scheduled for completion by March 1^st.  The Sisters believe it will be rented immediately.  We have been in contact about the maintenance, security guards, and all that is needed to run the apartment complex.

Gratitude

Sister Toni said the blessing went well and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be here. After the blessing we were accompanied by over 50 children for lunch of an egg, a hotdog, and yogurt.  The children sat with us and held our hands and did not want us to leave. And, yes, it was hard not to bring them home with us. The team looks forward to many more things to happen within the next few weeks, but this day made the whole trip worth it.  Please enjoy the pictures.