There are open houses, and then there is the opportunity to roam through the largest building project in the long history of the city of Peoria. Curiosity about the scope of the “Milestone Project” alone should be enough to bring thousands out to see the new Children’s Hospital of Illinois and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria next weekend.

We hope you’ll be one of them, even if you live far from the city. It will be worth the trip, and it’s nice to visit a hospital on a joyful occasion. Come to see the future of health care during the one-hour, one-mile tour. Come to view the new and beautiful religious art we’re told has been created for this. Come to be a part of history. Come to get the free commemorative t-shirt.

But we suggest you especially come to share the joy of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, whose vision, leadership, love of God, imitation of St. Francis, and mission to serve with “the greatest care and love” has inspired and impacted tens of thousands. Share their excitement in this latest historic chapter of a story that began in a rented three-story house in 1876. Share their gratitude to God for his blessings and faithfulness.

The open houses are set for Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be there if you can. If you can’t, don’t miss our coverage in the next issue of The Catholic Post. — Thomas J. Dermody