Our Lady’s statue atop OLLU’s Main Building and the south turret’s spire stand tall and proud, as seen from the fire-damaged fourth floor, symbols of the university’s optimistic spirits as rebuilding efforts progress on the 113-year-old structure at the heart of the campus founded by the Congregation of Divine Providence.

SAN ANTONIO • Do not doubt that Our Lady of the Lake University and its Main Building are going to come back stronger and better than before. Opened for media inspection for the first time on June 19, what amazes one when walking through the scene of the horrendous May 6 fire, is not what is gone, but how much remains.
Between the structure’s “good bones” and the incredible spirit of the Congregation of Divine Providence who built it — one that also imbues the university’s staff, faculty, students and supporters, the building is already rising from fourth floor ashes, site of the fire’s start and intensity.

Damage to the first through third floors was limited to that caused by smoke and from the powerful streams of water used to douse the ferocious flames that night, which created a veritable waterfall cascading down the building’s central stairways and seeping down hallways.

Those who have visited the first floor Renaissance Parlor in the past will be happy to know that only minor water damage occurred here and the room’s priceless historic contents were removed and are now safely stored at the sisters’ convent. Likewise, students in third floor Theresian Hall, while displaced, lost no possessions.

Following removal of debris on the now nearly roofless fourth floor, carpeting and dropped ceiling panels throughout the building have been removed, upper floor walls stripped and wainscoting and other millwork taken off and set aside for drying out. Revealed as a result are the original pressed tin ceilings and previously walled-up fireplaces.

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ACTS retreats reignite the spiritual engine and bring Catholic values back to the forefront. How would you like to renew that emotional and spiritual fire?

This summer, ACTS Missions is sponsoring ACTS Missions Convention 2008.

The purpose of the convention is to provide members of the ACTS community an opportunity for fellowship and sharing outside of the individual’s parish community. It is an opportunity to have dialogue with the ACTS Executive Board and members of other parishes. It is an opportunity to expand one’s awareness of the ACTS movement and explore other alternatives to the traditional ACTS ministries and services while still remaining faithful to the spirit and guidelines of ACTS. This is also a fundraiser for ACTS Missions so that it can continue to expand ACTS to areas that do not have it.

The convention begins on Thursday, July 31. It is a weekend to renew friendships, create new bonds and re-instill the tenets of Adoration, Community, Theology and Service in your life. It will conclude on Sunday, Aug. 3. It takes place in downtown San Antonio at the AT&T Community Centre at San Fernando.

Similar to an ACTS retreat, there are four days of events, speakers and panels in store. There are events scheduled for all types of retreats: men, women and teen. Each area is targeted so that you can attend the activity that is most interesting to you. So what does that mean?

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