Welcome Home, Our Mother of Consolation Parish School!
Deacon Joe Nines, Fr. Thomas Dailey, OSFS, Auxiliary Bishop Christopher R. Cooke, Fr. John Fisher, OSFS, Pastor, Fr. Bob Bazzoli, OSFS, former pastor, and Deacon Chris Roberts.
Last week, after a two-year journey of healing and rebirth, Our Mother of Consolation Parish School in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, reopened its doors.
Two years ago, a devastating fire burned the school’s interior, forcing students and faculty to relocate temporarily to Chestnut Hill College while plans were made and rebuilding took place. With gratitude to generous parishioners, the local community, large donors, and cost coverage from insurance, the $17.5 million renovation was completed this summer. The newly reimagined school opened its doors and welcomed its students and staff home in time for the new school year.
The exterior remains recognizable; however, the inside has been completely reimagined. Some new features include an innovation lab, an information commons, music and art studios, a cafeteria, and collaborative classrooms optimized for ideal learning.
Principal Jessica Stack remarked on how details in the school carry stories, for example, the metal from the original main staircase is still in place (and is the only thing that remains from the original interior). Within the school are symbols that speak of faith, character, and Salesian teaching. Inspired by themes: love, kindness, and humility, which were chosen by Fr. John Fisher, OSFS, are reflected throughout the halls.
Artwork representing the spiritual heritage of the community: St. Augustine, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and St. Francis de Sales.
Bro. Mickey McGrath, OSFS, designed new artwork for the school’s interior. His artwork on the school’s new elevator reminds students of virtues central to Salesian Spirituality and the concept of “Unidiversity”, meaning united in our diversity. Another piece, pictured to the right, shares the spiritual heritage of the community by featuring St. Augustine (honoring the Augustinians who began the parish), St. Francis de Sales (patron of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales), and the Sisters of St. Joseph (ministering since 1862). To learn more about Bro. Mickey’s artwork at OMC School, click here.
On Saturday, September 6, a formal reopening celebration began with Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Christopher R. Cooke, Fr. John Fisher, OSFS, Pastor, Fr. Bob Bazzoli, OSFS, former Pastor, Fr. Tom Dailey, OSFS, and Deacon Joe Nines, and Deacon Chris Roberts.
For the Oblates, this reopening and how the community has come together in love and unity is an expression of Salesian Spirituality and virtue.
Read “Rebuilding,” a personal reflection by Elizabeth Matthew, a parishioner and OMC parent, who reflects on how the school community shaped her family’s journey. Find out how the tragic fire revealed the true heart of this Salesian home.
Welcome home, OMC!
Click above to watch coverage of the dedication and tour of the new school!
News Coverage:
The Inquirer: "This Philly Catholic school lost everything in a fire. Here’s how Our Mother of Consolation rebuilt."
Philadelphia Today: "How This Chestnut Hill Catholic School Has Rebounded Two Years After Devastating Fire"
NBC Philadelphia: Philly Catholic school reopens with a new look 2 years after devastating fire
Archdiocese of Philadelphia: “Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Shares Special Video Message Welcoming the Our Mother of Consolation Parish School Community Back to Class Following School Building Fire – Archdiocese of Philadelphia”
