Mount Michael Abbey, a beacon of spiritual guidance and a sanctuary of peace, has been a cornerstone of our community for decades. Nestled in the serene surroundings of Nebraska, the abbey offers a place of reflection, prayer, and education. However, the tranquility of this sacred place is under threat.
The 3 large tracts, which lie between the abbey and 216th Street, are currently at risk of being developed, disrupting the peaceful environment that is so essential to the abbey’s mission. This land is not just a buffer zone; it is a vital part of the abbey’s ecosystem, contributing to its natural beauty and providing a habitat for local wildlife.
Construction of houses on this land will physically destroy the land itself and add light, noise, and chemical pollution. All this to the detriment of the West Papillion Creek waterway and the wildlife that live on Mount Michael property.
A housing development on this plot would increase traffic onto 216 near Mount Michael Road and/or Mount Michael Road. Traffic on 216 will be increased by other developments and people using the lake recreation area but housing on these plots would put it right where it affects Mount Michael students and faculty the most.
This could further prevent monastic vocations: "Today, young men who are discerning a monastic vocation are looking for places that are somewhat separated from the world, where they can devote their focus wholly to God. Having housing near the Abbey in general doesn’t help but having houses on the border could make possible vocations even less likely to join."
Poor Claires: The Poor Claires are cloistered, allowing housing to be constructed along the edge of Mount Michael property would create the danger of the Poor Claires losing their cloister as well.
We envision a future where Mount Michael Abbey continues to thrive as a place of spiritual renewal, free from the encroachment of urban development. By acquiring this land, we aim to:
Protect the Abbey's Tranquility: Preserve the serene environment that is essential for prayer, meditation, and community life.
Safeguard Natural Beauty: Maintain the natural landscape that supports local wildlife and contributes to the abbey’s peaceful ambiance.
Ensure Long-Term Sustainability: Provide space for future growth and development of the abbey’s facilities in harmony with nature.
We need your support to make this vision a reality. The estimated cost of acquiring this land is significant, but with your help, we can secure it for the future of Mount Michael Abbey. Here’s how you can get involved:
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your friends, family, and community. The more people who know about our cause, the more support we can garner.
Volunteer: Contribute your time and skills to help us achieve our goal. We need volunteers for various tasks, including organizing fundraising events, reaching out to potential donors, and helping with administrative work. Your involvement can make a significant difference in our efforts to secure the land.
Pray: Join us in prayer, asking for guidance and provision as we undertake this important mission.
We are committed to transparency and will keep you updated on our progress. Here, you will find regular updates on the fundraising campaign, milestones we’ve achieved, and stories from the Mount Michael community about why this land matters to them.
To learn more about our efforts, email mmlandfund@gmail.com.
Thank you for your generosity and support. Together, we can protect and preserve the tranquility of Mount Michael Abbey.