Sisters dedicate retirement facility in Hartsdale
Five religious communities now live at Marian Woods

Hartsdale, NY, October 25, 2001—Marian Woods, the new retirement facility for Sisters of five religious communities, celebrated its solemn dedication on Sunday with Bishop Robert Brucato of the Archdiocese of New York offering the liturgy and blessing.

“God grant to these Sisters the blessings and reward of their faith,” said Bishop Brucato at the conclusion of Mass. He acknowledged their years of service and dedication, adding, “Today we honor you and give thanks for your many gifts and the life you continue to give our Church.” Nearly 150 Sisters, guests, and friends attended. A reception in the Marian Woods library followed the dedication.

During the planning of Marian Woods, Bishop Brucato had worked alongside New York’s late John Cardinal O’Connor and remembered the struggles of the early days. “I must admit,” he said, “when we first started our conversations with the Sisters I didn’t think this would ever happen. But here we are because each of you was persistent. You believed in a dream, and thank God for that.”

In her closing remarks, Sr. Margaret Gafkin, FSP, President of the Board of Directors of Marian Woods, thanked Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM, former President of the Sisters of Mercy of New York, for her original vision for a collaborative healthcare facility. Under Sr. Patricia’s leadership, five religious orders committed more than $1 million of their own resources to help pay for the construction costs. To date, the Capital Campaign for Marian Woods has raised over $4 million of its planned $5 million campaign. Many donors and supporters were on hand for Sunday’s dedication.

Marian Woods is incorporated as a licensed adult home in the State of New York. The five communities of religious women who live there are the Franciscan Sisters of Peace, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, NY, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, and the Sisters of Mercy, New York Regional Community. The facility is constructed in quads with 10 rooms leading into a living area so that walking distances are short. Mass is held daily in the chapel, and Sisters can take advantage of a full schedule of activities throughout the day. The facility is located on the grounds of the former Geisman Estate in Hartsdale where the Sisters of Mercy of New York are headquartered.

To learn more about Marian Woods, click here.