Building a home
Summerside convent construction expected to be complete in early 2018
The roar of power tools will soon be replaced by the quiet harmony of hymns in Summerside’s new convent. Construction at the future home of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Ragusa at 403 Granville Street is progressing as expected and should be completed sometime in late January.
Fr. Chris Sherren, of St. Paul’s Parish in Summerside, said recently that the sisters don’t have an exact date set for when they might move into their new home, but they are busy making preparations for the move and hope to have a timeframe nailed down soon. In the meantime, he said, it has been exciting for the congregation to see the convent take shape.
“It’s awesome. It was a long time getting here, but it’s good to be here,” said Sherren. The sisters are part of an order of Catholic nuns based in Welland, Ont., who have been called to move some of their members to Summerside. Summerside is currently home to a small group of nuns from the Congregation of Notre Dame, however, in recent years, its remaining members have focused on providing hospitality at their convent, the Marguerite Bourgeoys Centre, which doubles as a spiritual retreat.
The Diocese of Charlottetown invited the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Ragusa here so they could focus on outreach in the community. Their order is focused on catechism (instruction of the young in Christianity), visiting with the elderly in their homes and the sick in hospital.
The property at 403 Granville Street includes eight bedrooms, a small chapel, kitchen, washrooms, eating area, visiting areas, offices, an activity room and multiple purpose spaces.
Sherren said the sisters plan to start by moving three of their members to Summerside and to occasionally host visitors from their Ontario chapter. They’ve even had some interest from local women inquiring about joining the order.
There is also a plan to eventually offer childcare services in the convent, though that won’t be for some time.
“They’re planning for growth,” said Sherren.
Though their plans might be on track now, the sisters had a rocky introduction to the community.
They had originally planned to renovate a home on South Drive to serve as their convent, but that idea ran into opposition from neighbouring property owners during the rezoning phase. That request was ultimately turned down by city council.
However, their subsequent request regarding 403 Granville Street encountered no such resistance and was approved by council.