Benefactors, leaders of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, the president and CEO of Franciscan Ministries, local dignitaries and friends of Mount Alverna Village joined Bishop Nelson Perez, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, on July 16 for a special celebration of Mass during which the bishop blessed the new Portiuncula Chapel and the Ancora Memory Support residences.
Mount Alverna’s new Ancora Memory Support services inside a beautiful new facility is being offered as a refuge for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The existence of a new chapel inside the facility maintains a link that helps reconnect residents with their faith, thus increasing a patient’s sense of well-being.
During his homily, the bishop thanked those who helped bring the new facility to fruition. “What a beautiful building,” he said. “Someone said, ‘let’s build this center to help those with a special need – memory support.’ I am sure it wasn’t a smooth journey from the idea to today, but rejoicing in the Lord is our source of strength. The Lord works for those who love God. He navigates and accompanies us,” Bishop Perez said.
The bishop thanked several people in attendance at the Mass for their role in making the new memory support unit and the new chapel a reality. In a special way, he thanked Sister Joseph Marie Zenda for her contributions to the success of Mount Alverna Village and her for 64 years in religious life with the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.
“It’s important that we stop and thank God for the many blessings he bestowed on us,” said Sister Joseph Marie of the celebration. “Today is a historic day for our community and it’s exciting to come together and reflect on the beautiful legacy we created together.”
Prior to the Mass, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the main entrance to the memory support services unit. Judy Amiano, president and CEO of Franciscan Ministries, was joined by Bishop Perez, Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter and Patrick Welsh, Mount Alverna executive director, to cut the purple ribbon symbolically opening the facility. Ancora Memory Support will open officially to residents in August.
A blessing of the rehabilitation and life enrichment center, both on the Mount Alverna Village campus in Parma, followed the Mass. Those in attendance, including patients and family, took part in a reception to continue the celebration.
Mount Alverna Village is a senior living community that offers a continuum of care including independent and assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. To learn more, visit mountalvernavillage.org.