Once the Shrine had been handed over to the Church, a group of volunteers, led by Fr. Louis Orfila began works on refurbishment. Fr. Orfila wrote:

"The place was empty, drab, very damp and full of cobwebs, quite uncongenial to religious fervour. But In its own humble way, it was an impressive and historic beginning."

With a prayer, a few hymns and two cheap candles on the floor, the works to beautify the torn Shrine began.

The moving story of a hospital nurse who witnessed the dedication and efforts of these volunteers donated her first month’s salary towards the beautification of the Shrine. This precious donation motivated the volunteers even further.

After some time, the place became worthy of holding prayer services. On the eve of Bishop Healy’s departure to attend Vatican Council II he celebrated Holy Mass within the premises. It had taken a period of 258 years for Mass to be celebrated at the Shrine. The much marked day was 28^th September 1962.