Stony Point: Marian Shrine Adds New Rooms and Bell Tower

By Fr. Dennis Donovan, SDB

(Stony Point, NY – January 9) – The Don Bosco Retreat Center at the Marian Shrine has resumed operations this week after being closed for a month to make renovations to the second floor. The rooms on that floor have been redesigned and the bathrooms upgraded with appointments similar to the ones made on the third and fourth floors. A new roof and solar panels are being installed on the conference center building.

Work will begin on Monday, January 16, to bury the overhead electrical service around the outdoor altar and pour the foundation for a new bell tower, which will be placed on the right side, behind the altar. The 42-foot tower will support three bells that formerly rang at Mary Help of Christians Church on 12th Street in Manhattan. The bells will ring the hour during the daytime, sound the Angelus three times a day, and can be rung for special occasions. Design work is underway to upgrade the air conditioning and replace the windows in the conference center.

The successful "Make All Things New Campaign" has raised the money needed for renovations to the Marian Shrine Chapel, which will be described in more detail in a few weeks.

The retreat team used the hiatus to work on new retreat themes and programs. The first of these is the woman’s day retreat by Fr. Manny Gallo and Fr. Steve Shafran. "Warrior Women for Christ" will be held on Saturday, January 21st from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET.