UPDATE: Pennies for Prouille Project
Prouille Restoration Progresses While Funding Efforts Continue

PROUILLE, FRANCE -- September 22, 2008 -- The long anticipated and hoped for renovation to the basilica of Our Lady of Prouille is beginning to see concrete progress. In February of this year, work began in several sections. All the false ceilings and the partitions (18 meters high) were removed in order to restore the original open spaces. The floors of the Ancient Choir and the Sanctuary have been levelled. New access to the crypts were created and reinforcement of the floor and cleaning of the walls of the corridors of the Sanctuary have begun.

The Pennies for Prouille Project, initated in the US, has raised funds to support this renovation. The response has been wonderful in the USA and there were responses from as far away as Australia. The first appeal collected about $9000. The nuns at Prouilhe were very grateful for your donations and interest in the restoration project.

This time the goal is €10,000 or about $13,921.38 depending on the exchange. We already have an anonymous donation of €450.00 plus $87.65 donated by Sisters from Hope together totaling $722.58 so we have a good beginning.

If you would like to be a part of this project donations may be sent to Sr. Madeleine Tacy, OP, 856 Tucker Rd, N. Dartmouth, MA 02747-3531with checks payable to: Dominican Sisters of Hope, Prouilhe.

While pennies may not seem like a good fund raiser in large quantities they produce results. It is estimated that about 2 billion dollars in pennies is beginning stored in jars and other containers in this country. Perhaps family, friends and others connected with our Dominican work and mission would be interested in helping. Together we can make a difference.

Donations can be sent to:
Sr. Madeleine Tacy, OP
856 Tucker Rd
N. Dartmouth, MA 02747-3531

Checks payable to: Dominican Sisters of Hope, Prouilhe.