The Little Flower Laboratory
Through the generosity of a benefactor, the late Helen Theresa Burke, a new science lab has been installed in Immaculate Heart of Mary School this winter. Four beautiful black-stone-top-tables comfortably accommodate sixteen students in the bright airy room, which overlooks the valley of Mount Wachusett on the west side of the building.
The room that is used for the lab is the combination of two refurbished rooms from the original building purchased in 1976 for the school. The new tables are equipped with sinks, running water and gas jets while attached cabinets provide storage for glassware, microscopes, and other supplies and equipment. Two whiteboards line the walls, providing ample room for instruction and reinforcement.
On February 12, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., the Saint Therese Lab was officially blessed. Characteristic of the patron after which it is named, there was a vase of beautiful roses on the lab table to greet Father as he read the prayers, asking God’s blessing upon a room dedicated to the study of His created world. Then he sprinkled holy water on this room that will be used for the study of science in a Catholic atmosphere.
Classes in Life Science, biology, chemistry, physics as well as general science will benefit from this gift, which offers each student a wonderful opportunity to have “hands on” knowledge in experiments and research.
A number of Immaculate Heart of Mary alumnae have already pursued careers in the medical field, as well as the sciences. Presently two are in medical school, eight have become nurses and five are in science related fields.
We are most grateful for this addition to our academic program and we ask you to join us in praying for our generous benefactor, that she may rest in peace.
Windows in the Gate of Heaven (Chapel)
The lovely Tudor style chapel designed by the late John Howard at Saint Elizabeth’s Convent is having windows made by Martino Studios in Framingham, as one of the last steps to its completion.
Mike Martino, owner of the studio and shop, studied his craft in Milan, Italy under Maestro Lind Grassi. With his help the Sisters have designed the windows to match the décor of the chapel. They will be antique diamond panes with a medallion in the center. Each of these will depict a title of Our Lady from the Litany of Loreto.
The main windows above the altar will have Our Lady in the center copied from a drawing of Albrecht Durer; she will be flanked on either side by angels in two separate windows.
Working with Martino Studios, the Sisters hope to participate in the actual making of the windows. Overseeing some of the painting will be Nicolai Burnskiy, the resident artist, a native of Moldova. Nicolai has worked 15 years at the studio, which boasts of 30 years of craftsmanship.
Over 30 churches in the New England area have windows designed or restored by the studio. Some also hang in Italy, Egypt, and Greece. We are looking forward to working on this project, anticipating the added beauty these windows will render to the Chapel, which will be a fitting place to house Our Lord and visit Him in prayer.
The Ride of a LIFEtime
What would make 50 students and adults board a bus at 9:00 PM on a blustery winter night…
after a fitful sleep, arrive at their destination nine hours later, then join a crowd of half a million people, pass out 10,000 flyers listen to speeches, walk a mile, board the bus again, drive another nine hours, and arrive home at 2:00 AM.? Commitment! This is the March for Life!
This year the entire cost of the bus rental was raised by students and supported by donations. IHM students, faculty and friends were proud to be able to join in the 35th Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. to take a stand in defense of the sacredness of human life in all its forms.
