Cornerstones and Construction
The cornerstone was blessed at 4:00 on a warm summer afternoon. Rev. Procopius Neuzil, O.S.B., described the event:
"In the morning of July 2, two special trains left Chicago for Lisle, carrying those who would witness the event (of the blessing of the chapel at the orphanage and the laying of the cornerstone of the college and abbey building). From the Lisle depot all the way to the orphanage, a colorful procession was formed of a great variety of conveyances and people walking, because they could not all fit into the conveyances available...The Bishop walked. The rest of the clergy in the Bishop's carriage followed his example, going on foot, enabling several ladies to ride. This procession was more than a mile and a half long."