SOUTH BEND — One hundred years ago this week, Holy Spirit Chapel was dedicated at Saint Mary’s College, and on Friday, April 24, the college is hosting a special commemorative Mass, open to the public, to celebrate a century of the sacred space.
Mass will take place in the chapel, located on the third floor of Le Mans Hall at 2 p.m. Friday, presided by the Rev. Bill Lies. There is also a livestream option for those unable to attend in person.
Originally named the Chapel of the Holy Ghost, the chapel was dedicated on April 24, 1926, and according to an article from the college, the space is filled with a wealth of sacred art. Many statues and liturgical furnishings were donated in memory of alumnae and Sisters of the Holy Cross, the college says, and the Stations of the Cross was a senior comprehensive project created by a member of the Class of 1958.
While the chapel is not usually open to the public, it is accessible to the campus community 24 hours a day, providing a space for prayer and reflection for generations of students. Saint Mary’s says it also serves as a gathering place for communal worship and campus ministry events, hosting daily and Sunday Masses, praise and worship nights, and special liturgies.
The college says this week’s commemorative Mass “will reflect both the chapel’s sacred purpose and the spirit of celebration,” featuring a special set of readings designated for the anniversary of a church’s dedication. Student leaders were heavily involved in the Mass’ planning, Saint Mary’s says, shaping everything from liturgical roles to reception details along with participation from the Sisters of the Holy Cross and community members.
In the story from Saint Mary’s, Nicole Labadie, director of the college’s Center for Faith, Action, and Ministry, said she hopes the celebration will strengthen community bonds as the Holy Spirit Chapel enters its second century.
“When we gather to pray and to celebrate together, the community is deepened,” Labadie said. “My hope is that people will see this as a home. It’s a place where they can encounter God and one another.”
Email South Bend Tribune education reporter Rayleigh Deaton at rdeaton@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Chapel at Saint Mary’s turning 100, public Mass April 24 to celebrate
Reporting by Rayleigh Deaton, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
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