The Roman Catholic Chapel at Mount Alvernia reopened for residents on Sunday 12th October with a Mass celebrated by the Bishop. The service was attended by the Minister for Health, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez MP, and the Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP.

The chapel, a cherished place of worship for residents, has undergone a full programme of refurbishment works carried out by Elderly Residential Services (ERS) in collaboration with students from the Gibraltar Government Training Centre.

To mark this special occasion, ERS invited residents, their relatives, staff, members of the Friends of Mount Alvernia Committee, and other dignitaries to attend the Mass at the restored chapel.

This was the first service held by the Bishop at Mount Alvernia, and a particularly meaningful moment for residents, many of whom hold the chapel close to their hearts as a place of reflection, devotion and community.

GHA Director General, Kevin McGee, said: “Residents at Mount Alvernia greatly appreciate being able to return to their sanctuary, which has been closed during the refurbishment works. The chapel is a focal point of our community of elders, and we are delighted that they can once again find peace and solace in this cherished space, with such a special service led by the Bishop.”

The Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “It was a real pleasure to attend the first Mass at Mount Alvernia yesterday morning alongside my colleague, Minister Arias-Vasquez. I am sure the residents of Mount Alvernia will greatly appreciate having this wonderful facility right on their doorstep. I would also like to thank the apprentices at the Training Centre for restoring this beautiful church for the benefit of all the residents at no cost to the taxpayer.”

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: “I am delighted that the refurbishment of the Mount Alvernia chapel has been completed in time for this very special ceremony led by the Bishop. It was a deeply moving occasion for residents and their families, who can now once again gather in their much-loved chapel. My sincere thanks go to the Elderly Residential Services maintenance team and to the trainees at the Gibraltar Government Training Centre for their excellent work in restoring this beautiful space, which will continue to bring great comfort and spiritual strength to all who use it.”