Donor Finances Altar of Love

Bernie Binder (left center) is a man who cares deeply about the Congregation of St. Joseph and their mission to “serve the dear neighbor.” He also cares deeply about keeping alive the memory of his beloved late wife, Lillian; so when talk about a new altar for the Congregation’s chapel reached Bernie, he was inspired. What a wonderful way to honor Lillian’s memory. The LaGrange Park Sisters’ celebrated the dedication of the new altar at a special Mass on December 20th, with Bernie, his family and friends in attendance (left).

Sister Mary Southard, CSJ, designed and created the new altar, which incorporates planet Earth, to remind us of our relationship with all creation in our daily participation in the Body of Christ. The Binders, who loved to travel, paid many visits to Austria, Greece, South America, China and India. Even a cruise through the Suez Canal and trips to many other lands in between were common for Bernie and Lillian. The globe is a perfect reflection of their love for Earth.

When Bernie saw the altar for the first time, he was in awe. “He got himself out of the scooter he drives, stepped up and touched the altar. He glowed with wonder and delight. It was an ‘ah-ha’ moment,” said Barb Bernhard, regional director of mission advancement.

Sister Mary’s altar design is without nails, and made from beautifully stained maple wood from trees that once graced the Center’s grounds. Bernie, a retired engineer, marveled at the engineering and fabrication by Mike Holtz and his team at Der Holtzmacher Ltd. of Sycamore, Ill. The wood sweeps around and upward in two graceful large curvatures, like arms that embrace the Earth and support the table top. Sister Mary fashioned the Earth sphere in plaster coated with bronze; the glass in the altar top illumines Earth and enables it to be viewed from all sides.

“My dad visits the chapel daily to say prayers, be in peace and be with Mom,” says daughter Liz Marshall. “I think he feels close to her there in the chapel.”