Blessing of outdoor Altar on the Praise Hill at SND Eco-spirituality Center

June 14, 2023

On May 10, 2023, at 2 o’clock, there was a blessing at SND Eco-spirituality Center in Ganghwa. Thanks to the sisters’ hard work, the chestnut hill behind the Eco-spirituality Center turned into “the Praise Hill”. With the new altar installed there, the Hill where God is praised for the beauty of creation has taken an even better appearance. When the refectory wing and lodge were built in 2019, the ceremony was very simple with only the bishop present because of the pandemic. This time the event was more delightful because we invited all our benefactors who had previously helped us, those who donated particularly to this altar, and our neighbors. Sr. Marie Julia, the provincial, and many other sisters came to share the joy on this beautifully created hillside.

The blessing Mass was celebrated by Rev. John the Baptist Kim, the dean of Incheon Catholic University with other priests from the University. In his homily, he mentioned the similarity between the ceremony of blessing the altar including sprinkling holy water, draping with a white cloth, and setting candles, and a baptism. It was the occasion that made us think anew of the meaning of the altar, a symbol of Jesus. It also helped us to feel his love and become more determined to follow him in his image.

After the Mass, there was a blessing for the 14 stations of the cross designed by Sr. Marie Lucia on the Praise Hill and the 15 stations of the cross for the aborted babies by Hwang Lidia next to the convent. During refreshments, we could express our gratitude to the visitors.

While attending the Mass and walking the way of the cross, we felt the warm, embracing spirit of Praise Hill and the love and efforts of all sisters of Notre Dame. Hopefully, this will be the place where many visitors find God’s presence in nature and deepen their care and love for His creation. We will create an SND eco-spirituality community that lives and proclaims our good God through education, farming, and the life caring for creatures.