Rose of Stronsay in the Garden of the Church

Today in 2002, ten years ago

on the Feast of the 
Expectation of Our Blessed Lady,

work commenced on the transforming of
 an old building on the Stronsay Pier Head

into 

Our Lady's Chapel

for Christmas of that year

when the 

first Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

would be celebrated within its walls.

2002

and 2012.

Exterior in 2002

the same in 2012.

18 December, 2002, Sr M. Onufria, OSBM, 

giving the chapel a much needed whitewash.

Professions on 2 February, 2003.

The first altar and sanctuary platform has been built

 and the walls whitewashed.

The hidden friend of Our Lady

Mr John Friel, friend, parishoner, expert joiner

and Stronsay Scouser

who has quietly worked on 

the chapel for many years.

Passiontide, 2009.

The walls have been plaster-boarded, 

the new marble altar installed,

 the first altar rails built,

and new pews in place.

August, 2009, new altar rails with gates ready to be installed.

Christmas, 2009.

April, 2011. The roof is decorated with celestial blue and golden stars.

Mr Paul Williams, master plasterer, 

with Brs Xavier Maria, F.SS.R. and Br Magdala Maria, F.SS.R.

 give the chapel its four bells in September, 2011.

 In November, 2011, the large Stations of the Cross are hung.

Thanks be to God and Our Lady

 for ten years of daily Mass

in Our Lady's Chapel

for the Holy Sacraments of 

Confession, Baptism and Confirmation received there,

for the religious professions made there.

Thanks be to God for its Union with

the Holy See of St Peter

that grace which makes our little chapel

the 

Chapel of Our Lady

in honour of the Perpetual Virginity of

Most Holy Mary

and of her title of "Mother of God"

defined by the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus, AD 431.

which blossoms forth like

a Rose of Stronsay

in the Garden of the Church.