In the Crypt
The Sorrowful Madonna and the black and white of the St.Vincent Ferrer Columbarium lend a somber tone to visitors to the Crypt beneath the new Chapel. February 23, 2013
A Sign of Dominican Life
The Cross of the Order of Preachers greets visitors upon entering the Priory. January 8, 2013
In the Cloister
The stairs from the main level to the Cloister on the second floor. December 11, 2012
Anticipating Visitors
Steam rises as the black top is laid on the new driveway of the Priory. November 2, 2012
View of the Priory from St. Thomas Church
Looking from the East side entrance of St. Thomas Church, the Priory Chapel commands attention. October 17, 2012
Friar Hoo!
Fr. Joseph Scordo, OP, greets visitors to UVA- in Charlottesville for a football game. St. Thomas offers a Saturday evening Mass after home games. Sept 2012
From the Balcony to the Sky
The rose window above the main chapel entrance awaits stained glass. August 18, 2012
Set In Stone
Donated by a St. Thomas parishioner, the altar stone with relic will be installed soon in the new Chapel. August 16, 2012
A Center for Community Life
From the front entry, looking toward the courtyard windows of the refectory. August 9, 2012
The Focal Point of the New Priory
The finished exterior of the Chapel demonstrates the seamless blending of the spiritual with the functional. July 27, 2012
Our Family Vault
Before construction begins on the Crypt, the base of the altar is set in place. July 21, 2012
The Face We Show to the Neighborhood
The view from Kent Road of the Friars' main living quarters will be softened when landscaping begins. June 15, 2012
“Welcome to Our Priory”
Fr. Brian Mulcahy, OP welcomes invited guests to the new Priory at a ceremony to mark the "Dry In" - a major milestone in the construction. May 11, 2012
“What kind of house will you build for Me?”
The masons work to complete the brick work on the Chapel apse. May 1, 2012
“Knock and the Door Shall Be Opened to You”
The newly installed front door opens welcomingly to both the friars and their future guests. April 20, 2012
Twin Crosses
The Charlottesville skyline now presents the subtle pairing of the crosses of the new Priory and her attendant Parish. April 17, 2012
Sunlit Corridors
Light streams in along the upstairs hall and into the Friar's rooms, framed in but without drywall. March 29, 2012
A Look Into the Apse and Sanctuary from the Friar’s Balcony
Although filled with building materials, the skeletal structure of the new Chapel gives one a sense of the Sacred Space as the construction proceeds. February 21, 2012
Partners: Parish and Priory!
Looking out the front door, a vivid reminder of the focus of the Friar's work. February 27, 2012
Two Steeples – The Home of the Friars and Their Work
The relationship between the Priory, which will house up to eight Dominican Friars, and St. Thomas Aquinas Church expressed in the proximity of the buildings. View from the NW across the Priory proper. January 1, 2012
Dedication to St. Dominic
In a special ceremony, Fr. Luke Clark, OP, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas, lays in the underflooring of the chapel apse a medal of St. Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers. December 12, 2011
The Priory Chapel Takes Shape
The framing for the concrete pour for the Priory Chapel gives a sense of the area and its purpose - as the center of the life of the Friars who will reside there.
A Foretaste of Things to Come!
An outline of the foundation gives onlookers a small preview of the building to come. October 11, 2011
Clearing the Way!
Clearing the lot in preparation for the digging of the foundation for the St. Thomas Aquinas Priory, July 2011
Breaking New Ground!
Abp. Augustine di Noia, OP, Fr. Luke Clark, OP, and Fr. Joseph Scordo, OP wield shovels at the Groundbreaking ceremony for the new St. Thomas Aquinas Priory, April 12, 2011
Student Brothers
Pictured here (L to R) are Rev. Bro. Ignatius Schweitzer, O.P. and Bro. Joseph Fussner, O.P., who are here on their summer ministry assignment from our Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C.
The Dominican Presence on Grounds
Fr. Joseph Scordo, O.P. celebrates Mass at the Chapel on grounds at UVA, January 26, 2010.
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
It is a great joy that today I am able to write to you from our beautiful St. Thomas Aquinas Priory. As I sit here in this incredible building I am overwhelmed with the thought of so many generous friends and supporters.
At the beginning of February we were able to put together an exciting weekend event: our official Open House. I hope you were able to take advantage of the opportunity to visit, explore and admire our lovely building and its tastefully chosen and functional furnishings. The house is riddled with meaning and reminders of both our spiritual legacy and our amazing community – so full of affection and support.
Today we are on the cusp of yet another event: the formal Dedication of the Priory. By the time you read this, the event will be one more memorable day for our Parish. Bishop Francis Di Lorenzo of Richmond will officiate and bless the Priory. Fr. Brian Mulcahy, OP (our Provincial and pastor emeritus of St. Thomas Aquinas) will be on hand for the ceremony, as will a number of our friars from various other houses. The Dominican presence, so clearly established by the building, is already additionally manifested in a sixth friar. Fr Giles Dimmock has joined us and we welcome him to both the Priory and the Parish.
Lent has passed quickly by and as we enter the Easter season, we look forward to settling into our new home. We are busy organizing and unpacking, readying the house to be up and running in every respect. Meanwhile, interest in the niches in the St. Vincent Ferrer Columbarium continues to be high. The pre-construction discount will end at the close of April—hurry to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity!
God Bless!
Fr. Luke Clark, O.P.
Superior
Dominican Friars
"May the Lord build our house and watch over our city."
The Dominicans have had the pleasure of serving St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlottesville, VA and the University of Virginia for fifty years! Since we arrived in 1959, we have witnessed a tremendous growth in faith and size in our community. To continue to meet the needs of our vibrant parish and University we are endeavoring to build a Priory.
Only with your help can we make this mission a reality!
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