There were plenty of activities for all ages throughout the day. In a large tent near the main entrance, there was live music, games and prizes photo booths. And that rascally Indiana Pacers mascot, Boomer, made his rounds not only in the tent but at the main entrance and lower-level auditorium, where there were numerous activities for youngsters, including the music/video driven Dance Dance Revolution.
Visitors also sampled many of the good dishes prepared and served up by the St. Francis Food & Nutrition Department,
under the direction of Sean McKenzie. The spacious new dining area is called the Terrace Cafe, receiving its name from Sister Madeleine Schumaker's submitted entry in a naming contest held in late 2010.
An estimated 900 people attended the afternoon festivities.
The facility also will be officially blessed and dedicated at special ceremonies beginning at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 5. Auxiliary Bishop Christopher J. Coyne of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis will officiate the formal blessing of the entire six-story facility.
As the hospital looks to its future, its rich heritage will be recalled at this event. Representatives of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration will sound the Angelus bell for the first time in nearly four decades. Attendees also will receive a hand bell to commemorate the event. The bell was first erected in the tower at St. Francis Hospital in 1914, when the hospital established its health-care ministry in central Indiana.
St. Francis Sister leadership will sound the bell’s final toll before it is put into final retirement and prepared for future display. The Rev. Coyne also will make a poignant tour of the new facility, blessing various areas of it with Holy Water.
Among the many dignitaries expected to be on hand for this event are Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Greenwood Mayor Charles Henderson. Both are expected to present proclamations touting the campus expansion.
The Marian University Sacred Choir will provide special music during dedication events.
Photos by Gary Moore
