CAMPAIGN UPDATE

INTERIOR OF CHAPEL. EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THIS HISTORIC SITE IN OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHAPEL: MONUMENT. MYSTERY. MISSION. BY MARY ANN BRENDEN.

Our Lady of Victory Chapel

BY DENISE GAMBOA

Steeped in reverence, Our Lady of Victory Chapel is a timeless sanctuary at the heart of St. Catherine University — and St. Paul. The Chapel is a symbol of our mission to educate women through the Catholic intellectual tradition and empower them to become just leaders in service of community. It’s also an important community gathering space for spiritual reflection, inclusivity, and celebration.

“If the tiles could talk, they could tell the stories. It’s the heart-place for gathering,” says Sharon Howell, CSJ, director of the Center for Spirituality and Social Justice, the Archbishop Harry Flynn Endowed Chair in Catholic Identity, and the director of the Myser Initiative.

More than a beautiful landmark, the Chapel is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was inspired by the Church of St. Trophime in Arles, France, and was built and dedicated in 1924, costing more than $400,000 at the time.

As we approach its 100th anniversary in 2024, this architecturally stunning monument requires critical updates to protect its physical integrity and conduct repairs. Through LEAD & INFLUENCE: The Campaign for the Next Level of Excellence, $5 million of donations to “Our Place” will support these careful updates.

“[The Chapel is] a place where people understand that they can gather, they can worship, they are welcome, and that the spirituality that they hold dear will be honored,” reflected Jean Wincek, CSJ, ’62, chair of the Board of Trustees.

Investments in the Chapel’s preservation will sustain its legacy as a gathering space for another 100 years.

Campaign Progress

With your help, we can realize our vision to lead and influence. We are well on our way to our goal of $130 million, with $98,000,000 raised to date.*

To support restorations to the Chapel, visit stkate.edu/campaign. You can also email giving@stkate.edu or call 651-690-6093.

*Campaign progress is current as of 12/31/2020.