Berghold memorial vision continues to push forward

New Ulm - In early 2002, a Capital Campaign was officially launched to preserve the memory of Alexander Berghold, a missionary priest and a central figure in the building, development, and history of the New Ulm area and the Diocese of New Ulm in the late 1880’s to 1900’s. To honor his tireless and lasting contributions, the dream of an Alexander Berghold Memorial, under the direction of Bishop John C. Nienstedt, keeps moving forward. The site is located in a triangle of land known as Loretto Park, near the entrance to the Way of the Cross in New Ulm.

The Father Alexander Berghold Committee launched Phase I of the project in late 2001 and continues that effort which consists of restoration of the park’s original walkways and gardens, restoration of the hillside, and installation of a life-sized bronze statue of Fr. Berghold.

Phases to follow will include the restoration of the bell and artstone tablets with inscriptions honoring the Sisters of Christian Charity, who taught in the school Fr. Berghold founded, and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, who staffed the hospital and home for the aged which he established. It was hoped these phases would 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.

The Father Alexander Berghold Steering Committee is excited to report that the statue of Father Berghold has been ordered. Also, the donation for four park benches has enabled their being ordered as well.

From its original design it has been further enhanced based on the input from the committee members and sculptors. The goal now is to continue raising sufficient funds and memorials to finalize the project. This includes mounting the statue; mounting the bell which served the hospital in earlier years; placing the historic markers; and establishing a diocesan maintenance fund.

The landscaping has been completed with twenty-seven loads of fieldstone. These were placed on the sloping hillside by volunteers, tying nicely into the entrance to the adjacent Way of the Cross. Temporary kiosks have been installed, sharing the history of the contributions of Father Berghold, the bell, and the services of the two orders of nuns who staffed the schools and hospital. The park will reflect his services to nineteen missionary stations throughout southern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota. Some of these stations, including Springfield, Sleepy Eye, Leavenworth, Redwood Falls, Lamberton, Walnut Grove and Marshall, later became parishes.

A brochure telling the story of Fr. Berghold’s life and explaining the fundraising efforts is available from the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, 1 North Minnesota, Box 384, New Ulm, MN 56073; at local Catholic churches, or the Diocese of New Ulm, 1400 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073; dnu@dnu.org.

Contributions can be sent to the Diocese of New Ulm, attention Fr. Alexander Berghold Memorial Fund.