VMCH has marked a major milestone with the official opening and blessing of its newest retirement living community, St Clare, in the inner Melbourne suburb of Kew.
Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli led the ceremony on Friday, which celebrated the beginning of a new chapter for VMCH and the growing community now calling St Clare home.
Guests included representatives from the Melbourne Archdiocese, the Catholic Development Fund— VMCH’s lender for the project — as well as members of the VMCH board and executive.
More than 50 residents also attended the service, reflecting the strong sense of community already taking shape since they began moving in late last year.
A flagship $250 million project for VMCH, St Clare encompasses 103 retirement residences and communal spaces in Studley Park.
The blessing and official opening marks the culmination of years of planning and development of the biggest project ever undertaken by the for-purpose Catholic organisation.
VMCH Board Chairman Julien O’Connell said St Clare was also central to advancing VMCH’s mission.
“Retirement living developments like St Clare enable VMCH to turn purpose into action, generating capital that supports mission‑based initiatives such as affordable housing for older people on low incomes,” Mr O’Connell said, adding it was fitting the precinct was formally blessed as residents continue to build their lives and community within it.
“Many new residents have told us they value knowing their choice to live at St Clare leaves a lasting philanthropic impact.”
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Archbishop blesses VMCH’s landmark St Clare retirement precinct (VMCH)
