The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, officially laid the foundation stone on the 19th June for a new Priory to be built in the grounds of Sneaton Castle, Whitby for the Sisters of the Order of the Holy Paraclete.
This will become the new Mother House of the Order by the end of the year. The project will provide private accommodation for the Order, including a new Chapel, infirmary wing and associated external works within its grounds.
The Order of the Holy Paraclete, led by the Prioress, Sister Carole, has been a part of the Whitby community since 1915 and its existing Mother House looks across to where St Hilda founded a monastery in 657.
The Project has supported local employment with many Whitby residents working on it and Castlehouse has also sourced material suppliers from the Whitby area to enhance local trade.
Andrew Lyon, Project Manager, Castlehouse Construction commented, “It is a real honour to work with the Sisters to deliver a modern new Priory for the Order to call home. When complete, the new facility will provide a great base from which they can continue their valuable work in the Whitby community and beyond."
Sister Carole said, "The new Priory is the fulfilment of much prayer and planning over the years. We are thrilled that the move is imminent and look forward to welcoming more people than we can at present."
The Priory is earmarked for completion in December this year.