Father Alexander Berghold Committee launches Capital Campaign for historical memorial park

New Ulm - A Capital Campaign has officially been launched to preserve the memory of Father Alexander Berghold, a missionary priest whose tireless and lasting contributions greatly influenced the Diocese of New Ulm and the city proper. In honor of Father Berghold, a memorial will soon be a reality.

The Alexander Berghold Memorial Committee, formerly under the direction of the late Bishop Raymond A. Lucker, is now guided by Bishop John C. Nienstedt and the Diocesan Finance Council. The Committee has finalized a memorial park design, dividing it into three phases, and has initiated the fund-raising efforts.

The Committee’s mission is to keep Father Berghold’s legacy alive in the hearts and minds of New Ulm citizens, pilgrims and visitors alike. The memorial will not only preserve the memory of a missionary priest whose contributions greatly influenced the Diocese of New Ulm, but will also serve as a permanent reminder of all that Father Berghold did and all that he gave.

The memorial site is a beautiful triangle of land known as Loretto Park, near the entrance to the Way of the Cross in New Ulm. The park was formally used by the Sisters of Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ as a summer retreat. Central to the park will be a life-sized bronze statue of Father Berghold. A secondary point will be a bronze bell saved from the St. Alexander Home for the Aged. It features a beautiful Latin inscription.

The Father Alexander Berghold Committee launched Phase I of the project in late 2001 and will continue that effort in 2002. Phase I consists of restoration of the park’s original walkways and gardens, restoration of the hillside and installation of the statue. The following phases will include the restoration of the bell and granite tablets with inscriptions honoring the Sisters of Christian Charity and Sisters of Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. The Sisters of Christian Charity taught in the school Father Berghold founded, and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ staffed the hospital and home for the aged which he established. It is hoped these phases will be completed by 2004, at which time the Way of the Cross will celebrate its 100th anniversary and the city of New Ulm will be 150 years old.

For more information about the Capital Campaign contact the Father Alexander Berghold Memorial Fund, Diocese of New Ulm, 1400 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN, 56073. Memorials may be sent to this address including pledges that may be given over several years.

A brochure telling the story of Father Berghold’s life and explaining the memorial fund raising project is available from: the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, 1 North Minnesota, Box 384, New Ulm, MN 56073; at local churches; or the Diocese of New Ulm, c/o Father Alexander Berghold Memorial Fund, 1400 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073; (507) 359-2966.