Poor Clare Sisters in Omaha break ground for future monastery

Published: 2007-08-23

OMAHA, Neb. (CNS) -- Though the Poor Clare Sisters in Omaha have yet to reach their financial goal, they broke ground for a new monastery on land near a Benedictine abbey Aug. 15. The date was chosen because it holds special meaning for the nuns: Aug. 15, 1878, was the date the first Poor Clares monastery was established in Omaha. The monastery was the religious community's first in North America. More than 75 people joined the sisters for the groundbreaking, which included praying the five joyful mysteries of the rosary and the two glorious mysteries about Mary. And balloons were released. "We hope the event fosters greater interest and participation from those who are in a position to help in a big way," said Sister Theresina of Jesus Santiago, coordinator of the building project. The proposed $5 million monastery will reflect the symbol of their order's founder, St. Francis -- the tau cross, which is a T-shaped cross. The building will have 18 rooms for sisters, allowing room for future vocations.

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