ORCHARD LAKE, Mich. – The Orchard Lake Schools community says it will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Shrine Chapel of Our Lady of Orchard Lake on Sunday.
The school says the celebration marks the "new beginning" of the Shrine Chapel, located at the center of the campus, meant to represent the Holy Eucharist and its centrality in life.
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In 1962, the site was dedicated and the structure, designed by Orchard Lake Schools alumnus Walter Rozycki, was underway. The chapel epitomized a mosaic of fine artistry and craftsmanship, says the school.
The chapel was designed to house up to 750 under the curved beams and roof purlins of laminated Oregon Douglass Fir at capacity. The school says the design feature resembles "praying hands" angled toward the heavens
The school says many milestones have occurred within the last 50 years that are entwined in the framework of the Shrine Chapel.
The strong foundation is a pillar of the Orchard Lake Schools community that is deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of all those who have entered under its roof, as well as those who will step foot into it for the first time for infinite reasons. With such commitment comes wear and tear on the chapel's fortitude.
"Things need to be done to help restore it to its grandeur so we're hoping people will help contribute to a restoration campaign," said Reverend Monsignor Thomas C. Machalski, Chancellor and Rector, Orchard Lake Schools. "Included in the renovation plans is the building of a shrine to house the relic of the Blessed John Paul II that we received from his secretary, Cardinal Dziwisz."
The community event is open to the public Sunday, March 3 at the 11 am Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Vigneron and Reverend Monsignor Thomas C. Machalski, Jr.
For more information, contact Pat Zawadzki, Director of Advancement Services, at (248) 683-1753.
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