Penacook Place’s New Chapel Opens with a Special Blessing from Most Reverend Robert F. Hennessey, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston

Penacook Place, a member of Covenant Health’s family of organizations, was honored to recently welcome Most Reverend Robert F. Hennessey, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston and Vicar General Bishop – Merrimack Region to bless its new chapel, a sanctuary that came to fruition during the challenges of a pandemic.

As part of Penacook Place’s commitment to Covenant Health and its faith-driven mission, Penacook renovated its ground floor into a beautiful chapel – a sacred space that offers residents and their loved ones, staff and the community a dedicated place for reflection and religious services. The chapel is adorned with Stations of the Cross that were donated by Teresa Drelick, it can accommodate individuals aided by walkers and wheelchairs and has a folding glass partition to accommodate small and large occasions. The chapel’s opening celebration kicked-off with a welcome from Michael Bell, President of Penacook Place, to several guests that included former employees. He specifically acknowledged the staff for their support in ensuring the chapel became a reality.

Bishop Hennessey blesses Penacook Place chapel

The celebration continued with comments from Covenant Health and Penacook Place senior leadership. Stephen J. Grubbs, President/CEO of Covenant Health, remarked, “In our organization, mission matters. It’s the cornerstone of who we are and what we do. I’m incredibly proud of our staff and this achievement.”

Gerard Foley, Esq., FACHE and Senior Vice President and President of Post-Acute Care, Covenant Health, added, “This staff sincerely understands the importance of providing spiritual care to residents, regardless of background. This Chapel enhances the care given.”

Finally, Thomas Mortimer, Chair of Penacook Place’s Board of Directors and Member of Covenant Health’s Board of Directors, closed the celebration by thanking Covenant Health for partnering with Penacook Place to ensure this goal became a reality. He said, “Spring is a time of renewal and we’re very pleased to rejoice in it with the opening of this lovely chapel.”

Bishop Hennessey then blessed the chapel as well as extended a blessing on behalf of Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Boston. Bishop Hennessey shared, “We are in the season of Easter – a season of hope. The chapel’s opening conveys a message of dedication, hope and resilience.” Bishop Hennessey was assisted by the Very Rev. John W. Delaney, VF, Pastor of Sacred Hearts Parish in Bradford, Mass. and a member of Penacook Place’s Board of Directors.

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