New IHM Residence Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Friday, July 23, 2004, the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary broke ground for a new residence for their elderly Sisters. Bishop Emeritus James C. Timlin of Scranton presided at the groundbreaking ritual. Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Michael C. Pascucci of Locust Valley, NY, after whom the new construction will be named, friends and benefactors of the IHM Sisters, and several hundred Sisters from more than twelve states, Rome, Italy, and Peru.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on the property of the Congregation of the IHM Sisters, adjacent to Marywood University, and next to the existing IHM Center, home to nearly 80 Sisters and the location of the IHM Administrative Offices.

The new facility will consist of a 120-bed residence, which will be divided into twelve units, each to house ten Sisters. It will also contain a chapel, common areas for dining, social activities, physical and occupational therapies, and other amenities. Eventually, the Congregation hopes to open the common areas of the facility to neighbors and members of the larger Dunmore and Scranton communities.

The current Marian Convent houses more than 120 infirm and elderly Sisters, who will move to the new facility. Marywood University will purchase the present facility after the Sisters re-locate in late 2005.