Diocese breaks ground on Villa Vianney expansion
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
In preparation for the growing number of priests who will reach the age of retirement in the near future, the Diocese of Trenton broke ground on an expansion of Villa Vianney, Lawrenceville, the diocesan home for retired clergy.
In a ceremony held March 26, Bishop John M. Smith was joined by active and retired priests of the diocese in blessing the ground upon which construction will soon begin. The bishop led a brief prayer service followed by the official groundbreaking to mark the first step in the expansion project.
Msgr. Joseph N. Rosie, diocesan chancellor, began the gathering by recognizing the great services that Villa Vianney has provided to the retired priests of the diocese. The expansion, he said, will allow the facility to continue to offer “great care and comfort for those that dedicate themselves in service to the Gospel and to the Church of Trenton,” including Bishop Smith, who is planning to reside in the facility upon his eventual retirement.
“It is a great thing that we are able now, as we recognize more gentlemen soon to be retired, to have an opportunity to add on to this fine facility, and even to make sure we have a place for our soon to be retiring bishop to reside in comfort,” Msgr. Rosie said.
In anticipation of this need, the diocese has set aside funds to cover the estimated $3.9 million cost of the expansion. Construction of the new 13,250-square-foot facility, under the direction of Scozzari & Sons Inc. of Pennington, will begin immediately and the new wing is expected to open in April 2011.
Villa Vianney currently has 19 suites and is home to 16 priests of the diocese. The expansion will add another 17 suites, each containing a living room, bedroom and bathroom, making it possible for up to 36 retired priests to reside in the facility. Villa Vianney also includes common areas and full dining services provided to its residents.
At present, there are 59 priests in retirement in the diocese and 15 of retirement age who are still active in ministry. The number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, and is estimated to be more than 100 within 10 years.
Upon retirement priests may choose to live in the diocesan home or with family, in a parish rectory or on their own. Located on the same grounds as St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center and Morris Hall’s assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, Villa Vianney is able to provide aging priests with a full range of medical care while also offering the benefits of an independent living environment.
Villa Vianney, then known as Villa Neumann, was dedicated by Bishop John C. Reiss in a ceremony held Oct. 18, 1995. The facility first opened its doors to seven retired priests of the diocese Nov. 1, 1995.
The name was officially changed to Villa Vianney on Aug. 4, 1997, in honor of St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests.
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In preparation for the growing number of priests who will reach the age of retirement in the near future, the Diocese of Trenton broke ground on an expansion of Villa Vianney, Lawrenceville, the diocesan home for retired clergy.
In a ceremony held March 26, Bishop John M. Smith was joined by active and retired priests of the diocese in blessing the ground upon which construction will soon begin. The bishop led a brief prayer service followed by the official groundbreaking to mark the first step in the expansion project.
Msgr. Joseph N. Rosie, diocesan chancellor, began the gathering by recognizing the great services that Villa Vianney has provided to the retired priests of the diocese. The expansion, he said, will allow the facility to continue to offer “great care and comfort for those that dedicate themselves in service to the Gospel and to the Church of Trenton,” including Bishop Smith, who is planning to reside in the facility upon his eventual retirement.
“It is a great thing that we are able now, as we recognize more gentlemen soon to be retired, to have an opportunity to add on to this fine facility, and even to make sure we have a place for our soon to be retiring bishop to reside in comfort,” Msgr. Rosie said.
In anticipation of this need, the diocese has set aside funds to cover the estimated $3.9 million cost of the expansion. Construction of the new 13,250-square-foot facility, under the direction of Scozzari & Sons Inc. of Pennington, will begin immediately and the new wing is expected to open in April 2011.
Villa Vianney currently has 19 suites and is home to 16 priests of the diocese. The expansion will add another 17 suites, each containing a living room, bedroom and bathroom, making it possible for up to 36 retired priests to reside in the facility. Villa Vianney also includes common areas and full dining services provided to its residents.
At present, there are 59 priests in retirement in the diocese and 15 of retirement age who are still active in ministry. The number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, and is estimated to be more than 100 within 10 years.
Upon retirement priests may choose to live in the diocesan home or with family, in a parish rectory or on their own. Located on the same grounds as St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center and Morris Hall’s assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, Villa Vianney is able to provide aging priests with a full range of medical care while also offering the benefits of an independent living environment.
Villa Vianney, then known as Villa Neumann, was dedicated by Bishop John C. Reiss in a ceremony held Oct. 18, 1995. The facility first opened its doors to seven retired priests of the diocese Nov. 1, 1995.
The name was officially changed to Villa Vianney on Aug. 4, 1997, in honor of St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests.
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