Our Lady’s Center begins renovation effort in its 50th year

Just in time for its 50th anniversary, Our Lady’s Center in Ellicott City is undergoing a significant renovation that the center’s leaders believe will enhance the worship space, encourage more visitors and ensure that the space is well-maintained.

“Our altar is being completely remodeled with a new custom wood backing versus paint in the old version,” said Jack Kissane, board president of Our Lady’s Center for the past 13 years. “New lighting will also enhance the altar. All of our guests will be more comfortable thanks to new ventilation.”

In addition, new carpet and refurbished pews from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore will complete the enhanced look, Kissane said.

There will also be new entrance stairs with ecclesial pendant lights and a new entrance door.  Audio, visual and lighting upgrades have also been included. 

Completely self-funded and registered under the Archdiocese of Baltimore as an oratory shrine, Our Lady’s Center is a family apostolate founded in 1974 to bring people closer to Jesus through the love of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Construction began in June, with Tim Machado of Design Concepts in Winchester, Va., serving as the architect. Lewis Contractors in Baltimore are the builders.

Scheduled to last about three months, the project is expected to cost just under $300,000. 

Financial support for the center comes directly from proceeds from an in-house bookstore along with private donations. The bookstore/gift shop houses extensive selections of Catholic books, religious articles and sacramentals that the center’s leader say celebrate the good, the true and the beautiful. 

Kissane believes funding for the renovations has been spiritually influenced by another “special source” as well.  

“While our bookstore has certainly significantly contributed to the financial operation of the center, we also believe that Our Lady has seen to it that we are very blessed in all ways,” he said, noting that he believes Mary has had a hand in many of the private donations that have consistently supported and enhanced the budgetary needs of the organization, especially after a 2001 fire forced a significant rebuilding and renovation.    

The latest renovation effort represents the fifth of its kind over five decades. 

For more information, visit ourladyscenter.net

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