“Now I have chosen and consecrated this house that My name may be there forever; My eyes and My Heart also shall be there always.”   Chronicles 7:16

In March of 2024, the Cistercian nuns of Valley of Our Lady Monastery, twenty-one in all, moved into a newly-built monastery in Hollandale, Wisconsin, about one hour south of their old location.  The new monastery is situated in a place of greater solitude and space, enabling the sisters to better live out their particular charism in the Church—that of cloistered monastic life according to the Rule of St Benedict.  The final phase of building was completed some months after moving in, and August 24^th, 2025, witnessed the final crowning of the project: the consecration and dedication of the monastery’s Oratory.  The rite was performed by Bishop Donald Hying, with several others concelebrating.  The guest nave of the oratory was full to overflowing with friends new and old of the community.

The Rite of Dedication of a Church is one of the Church’s most solemn liturgical acts and follows an ancient custom. It is the means of consecrating a church exclusively to God, making it a fitting place of prayer, praise, the celebration of the sacraments, and the reservation of the Eucharist. The church building is a visible sign of the Church, that is, the People of God who are the Temple of God made of living stones, a spiritual house built upon Christ, the cornerstone (see 1 Peter 2:4-6). Central to this rite is the consecration of the altar, which stands as a sign of Christ, who is the priest, the victim, and the altar of His own sacrifice.

A dedication is particularly significant for a monastic community, as the Oratory forms the heart of the monastery where they gather seven times a day to pray the Divine Office, daily to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass, and throughout the day to seek Our Lord’s Eucharistic Presence. The rite also recalls each nun’s consecration to God when she became a bride of Christ, enfleshing the bridal identity of the entire Church, a living temple of God’s presence in the world.  It also a place of vigil, waiting for the complete fulfillment of all our hope, trusting that He who began the work of building this place will fulfill it further in the New Jerusalem.

This is the culmination of years of listening to the Holy Spirit’s inspiration and trusting Him to bring His work to completion. Our Lord has multiplied His mercies allowing so many to participate in His plan to be praised, adored, and glorified in this place. Please join your prayers to theirs as they give praise and thanks to God.

valleyofourlady.org

For information about their building project: build.valleyofourlady.org/contact

Valley of Our Lady Monastery
7320 Urness Road
Hollandale, WI 53544