STEUBENVILLE, Ohio -- More than 100 people attended a ground-breaking ceremony for a new friary at Franciscan University of Steubenville on Friday.

The ceremony included song and a blessing of the grounds.

The new friary, which is a home for priests and brothers living on campus, will replace the current friary, which is 47 years old.

The university said the old building has structural and electrical problems, and no longer meets space requirements.

University president Father Terrence Henry told the crowd he is looking forward to the start of construction.

"It's a historic moment,” said Father Henry. “The friary where we presently live is now the oldest building on campus, and for the last few years, it's been crumbling around us. The structural engineers tell us it's reached the end of its natural life. So we're really looking forward to this new friary."

Father Henry said he is praying for the successful completion of the new friary.

Work on construction will partly be financed by money raised through the university's $25 million capital campaign.

Natalie Pasquarella, NEWS9