October 7 event celebrates 50 years of prayer & ministry at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel
Springfield, Ill.—A complete schedule for the October 7 open house at Sacred Heart Convent, is announced today by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. This rare public event, Sacred Time, Sacred Space, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Dominican Sisters’ architecturally significant chapel. The chapel is located at 1237 W. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62704.
Three distinct events are planned.
Open House: Exhibit and Chapel Tours
Doors open: 11:00 am.
Tour times: 11:15, Noon, 12:45, 1:30, 2:15, 3:00 p.m. (free, pre-registration recommended)
Exhibits Close 3:00 p.m.
Reading Light: The Art & Architecture of Sacred Heart Convent Chapel
Doors open 5:15 (free, pre-registration recommended)
Light hors d oeuvres
Presentation 5:30-6:15 by Anthony Rubano, Project Director, Illinois Historic Preservation Office
Solemn Evening Prayer
Doors Open 6:15
6:30 evening prayer
Guests of all faiths welcome
“Our chapel was completed in 1968 and is a magnificent example of liturgical art and architecture inspired by the theology of the Second Vatican Council,” said Sister Beth Murphy, OP, coordinator of the celebration. “It is a joy to be able to share our sacred space with the public and welcome people to experience our Dominican prayer. “We hope many people of all faiths will feel welcome to join us for this special day.”
The 40-foot vault of the chapel is a majestic setting for 4,000 square feet—and 43 separate bays—of dalle de vere, or sculptured, slab glass windows, designed by the prolific French glass artist Gabriel Loire, whose studio was in Chartres. Loire’s creative use of negative space and his obvious grasp on the theological significance of the Second Vatican Council are a visual and spiritual delight.
Sacred Heart Convent Chapel is among the largest of Loire’s churches in the United States.
Two large Venetian glass mosaics utilize icon-style imagery to depict the lives and tradition of Dominican Saints. The mosaics were designed by Daprato Studios, Chicago, and executed by guild artists in Italy.
Doors open at 11:00 a.m. The first tour is scheduled for 11:15 and will be offered every 45 minutes thereafter until the final tour at 3:00 p.m. A 20-minute audio-guided tour, produced by the Dominican Sisters’ communication department, will be broadcast in the chapel and followed with a Q&A with sister-guides.
Exhibits about the sisters’ life and ministry, children’s activities, and refreshments will be available to the public in Aquinas Center throughout the open house.
The event is free; preregistration is encouraged. Free will offerings accepted. Reserve your tickets and tour-time here.
Learn more about Sacred Heart Convent Chapel online or call 217-787-0481.
Join the Dominican Family
The Dominican Sisters of Springfield are part of a worldwide Dominican family, the Order of Preachers. For more than 800 years, Dominicans have preached the Gospel in word and deed. The Springfield Dominicans were established in Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1873 and relocated to Springfield in 1893. Today, thousands of sisters, nuns, priests, brothers, associates, and laity minister in more than 100 countries around the world. Want to join the Dominican Family? Be in touch!
