Students Rally to Save University’s Catholic Chapel Heirlooms
Some things are more important than a renovation, kudos to these students.
Mairead McArdle of The College Fix reports.
Renovation to Doom University’s Catholic Chapel Heirlooms, Prompts Protest
Some students and professors at a Catholic college in Ohio have lodged complaints against a massive renovation planned for a nearly 150-year-old chapel on the campus that they say will wipe out some of the sanctuary’s Catholic heritage and artifacts.
The University of Dayton’s proposed $12 million renovation of the 1869 Immaculate Conception Chapel is slated to commence next month and is expected to dramatically upgrade the facility, taking more than a year to complete.
Wooden pews will be installed, restrooms added, and other improvement will be made to resolve universal building code requirements, according to the university’s website.
Yet some accuse the renovation process of being shrouded in mystery, and have voiced concern about the fate of beloved paintings and artifacts within the chapel, and the structure itself.
A flier printed by a non-official student group documents a few of the numerous controversial changes, including that the renovation will enlarge the apse of the chapel, causing the destruction of the 1883 painting of the Coronation of Mary on the ceiling.
An 1800s carved wooden pulpit will be dismantled and reconfigured into a holy water font at the back of the chapel, the flier states. The 1876 altarpiece will have a hole bored through the middle for a door and will be removed along with the Blessed Sacrament from the main chapel to an enclosed side altar for “private devotion.”
“Our chapel has always been part of who we are as a UD community,” states the flier, which encourages people to contact campus administration and complain about the plans. “As a campus community, we stand to lose historic treasures.”
Its authors add that they do not protest the renovation itself, but want historical and sacred elements preserved.
In an email Thursday to The College Fix, Professor John Inglis said the concerns remain unresolved.
Renovation to Doom University’s Catholic Chapel Heirlooms, Prompts Protest (The College Fix)
Comments
Will they add a place for worshipers to wash their feet before prayers?
Great observation. And given this pope’s behavior and remarks during last week visit to the West Bank and his (and the Curia’s) strange compromising attitudes towards Islam, I expect to see further unsettling (to Catholics, Christians) developments.
Trust Jesus first and foremost. Be wary of all others.