Beth Boscardin
Some things never die, but everything needs sprucing
up from time to time.
As it turns out, in the case of the Servites'
Motherhouse convent, that time is now.
The Motherhouse, which was originally built in 1924,
shortly after the Servites arrived in Omaha, with a newer building added in
1954, needed some major renovations if it was to be expected to keep up with
the lifestyles of such a spirited group of women.
As Sister Jean Morrow explains, even some of the
newer parts of the building are in dire need of repair. "The most exciting thing, other than
the anticipation of the new things, is that we're making much needed
renovations. In the new building, a water pipe just broke, and water rushed out
all night. No one knew because the renovations had already started. They came
in and said we'd need all new pipesŠand this was in the new building," she
said.
This disaster came at the most opportune time,
though, as the Servants of Mary had begun planning a three million dollar
renovation in the summer of 2003. Construction started Jan. 5, so the new
building was already being taken apart and they were able to repair the pipes
before it was put back together again.
In the new building, the plan is to completely reconstruct
the second floor, used mainly for healthcare, and the third floor, which is
used for assisted living areas. While fewer rooms will be built, they will
provide the older Servites with 
private bathrooms and bigger rooms.
Elevators for both the old and the new buildings will
be installed, one large enough for a hospital bed in the new, coupled with a
double-door elevator in the old, so the sisters can easily travel from one
floor of the new building to a different floor of the old.
While many students may think they've never been
inside the convent, everyone has been quietly herded into the chapel, which is
currently being redone, for class masses. A baptismal fount, new lights, an
exuding altar, a new organ and a sound system will be installed. Armed and backed chairs will replace
the ancient pews that had seemingly become an institution in the churchgoing
experience. Workers will remove
the Peregrin Chapel and rebuild it in the old business office.
The Servites are hopeful that the renovations to the
chapel will be complete in time for Easter.
"One of the most admirable qualities about the
Servants of Mary is that they are very in tune with the times. They see
themselves fulfilling their mission with these new facilities," said Mrs.
Regina Lehnhoff, literature teacher.
The residents of this old and decrepit, yet
charmingly traditional building have a commitment to each other and are part of
a community self-serving, spirited individuals.
Unfortunately, these women have been split, hopefully
for not more than a year, while the renovations are taking place. Fourteen have
been moved to Skyline Retirement Home, and the remaining eighteen have moved
into the old building while the new is being refurbished, and will move to the
new building after its renovations are complete.
Many members of the faculty and staff have donated
chairs for the chapel, which is very generous on their part.
"I'm really excited at how interested everyone has
been to do this. Everyone's been asking how they can help us," Morrow said.