While much-needed rain drove the dedication ceremony indoors, it did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the nearly 100 people who listened as Dr. De Vecchi spoke of "this important day in Abbey history" with the official blessing of the 24,000-square-foot dorm overlooking Narragansett Bay that opened in time for the beginning of School this year and houses 36 female students and four faculty apartments.  "This dormitory is fittingly dedicated to the other Patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Brigid, a strong-willed, generous and compassionate woman, giving of laughter and love, who had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mary," said Dr. De Vecchi. "I encourage all who live here in St. Brigid's to continue that devotion to Mary--turn to her, pray to her whenever you need her help."

Dr. De Vecchi thanked all who helped the dormitory come to fruition, beginning with the Portsmouth monastic community for its initial support of the undertaking, along with the generous alumni and friends who made the funding of the dorm possible.  In particular, he thanked "our major, anonymous donors" and the School's Korean families who endowed the Korea Fund to help underwrite the cost of the dormitory.  Dr. De Vecchi also recognized the project's architects, Architectural Resources of Cambridge, "for designing a beautiful, functional building;" Advanced Building Concepts, of Middletown, RI, "for their superb engineering and attention to detail throughout the project;" DaPonte Landscaping, for its attractive landscaping of the dorm surroundings; and the School's on-campus team, led by Director of Operations Paul Jestings, whom Dr. De Vecchi said "...lived and breathed this building for the past year to have it completed on time and within budget, and directed this project with brilliance, passion and tireless effort."

Claire McCarthy '08, a prefect in St. Brigid's, shared that the girls in St. Benet's last year learned to live with construction noises from next door and were frequent visitors to the School's Web site to view live progress on the new dorm via the popular "Portsmouth Abbey Cam."  Ms. Nancy Brzys, assistant headmaster for student life, and Mrs. Laureen Bonin, head houseparent of St. Brigid's, each spoke of the enhanced quality of on-campus life for both boarders and day students, as well as resident faculty, with the addition of St. Brigid's.  Margaret Ferrara '08, also a prefect in St. Brigid's, read the Gospel of Luke 10: 5-9 and Psalm 127 with the refrain, "The Lord will build a house for us and guard our city." Abbot Caedmon--who shared that his mother was named Brigid--gave the Blessing of the Dorm.

Following the blessing and dedication ceremony, Paul Jestings offered a tour of the dorm, which includes many energy-efficient features, to parents visiting for Parents' Weekend.

View photos of the blessing and dedication ceremony.