All Good Things moved recently from its longstanding home in Umbria Square to the Padua House, the new name of the former Lourdes University Welcome Center. The structure was also formerly known as Alumni House, Loretto House, and even earlier, the Hittler Farm House when Mother Mary Adelaide purchased it in August 1917.
Andrew Hittler, a skilled craftsman, originally built the farmhouse using a kit he ordered from the Sears and Roebuck catalogue in 1913, one of the first of its kind. After the sale, Mother Adelaide was among the first to occupy the home, living on the top floor while using the main floor for the convent’s offices.
The house’s name and purpose have evolved over the years, but the name Padua House is not a new name to this location. The house was once named, and is again named for St. Anthony of Padua, the Franciscan preacher associated with finding lost items and concern for the poor.
The home now serves as a perfect backdrop for the Sister-created artwork, jewelry, Alverno Studio tiles, books, fair trade items, and many gift ideas.
A portion of the house has been converted to accomodate Outreach Ministries, coordinated by Sister Barb Vano. Sister Barb’s office will be on the first floor of Padua House, and she will be able to continue her Labre Project ministry using the kitchen, which offers ample space for volunteers to convene and cook the casseroles and make the sandwiches they distribute to those in need every Wednesday.