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Friday, June 12, 2009

Photos of the former Daughters of Charity Chapel at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis

NORMANDY, MISSOURI was once home to many Catholic institutions, now few in number, which earned that suburban Saint Louis County city the nickname “Little Rome of the West”. Once the home of the Daughters of Charity, the former provincial motherhouse is now owned by the public University of Missouri - Saint Louis.

Here are photos of the interior of the former motherhouse's chapel. While no longer consecrated as holy ground — no longer set aside for Christian worship — the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the Missal of Pope Paul VI is still offered here to students and faculty of the University.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - exterior

Exterior of the chapel, taken from the courtyard of the former motherhouse, which is located in UMSL's South Campus. The building dates from 1914.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - nave 1a

The basic structure of the chapel has been maintained, along with its elaborate carved wood ceiling and marble altars, although the icons have been largely removed.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - view of nave from side 1a

A view from the side. Note that the chapel is missing its Stations of the Cross, while niches that formerly contained the consecration crosses remain. The stained glass windows have been largely removed, although a few endure for the time being. As these windows are consecrated as icons worthy of veneration, they must be removed from this now-secular place.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - view of nave to back

A view to the back of the nave.

Following are photos of the remaining stained glass windows. As these are likely to be placed in storage, this is probably the last time these can be viewed by the general faithful.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - stained glass window 6

St. Elizabeth ministering to the poor.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - stained glass window 3

Apparition of St. Agnes in the catacombs.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - stained glass window 5

St. Barbara offering spiritual consolation.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - stained glass window 4

Our Lord Appearing to Margaret Mary. Our contemporary devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, some of which derives from the private revelations of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, is observed by a feast 19 days after Pentecost.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - stained glass window 1

Sister Appoline Andriveau receives the Red Scapular.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - stained glass window 2

Saint Vincent de Paul among the galley slaves.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - pipe organ

The stained glass window, which formerly was behind the pipe organ, is now located at the Sister's new Provincial House in the Central West End neighborhood of Saint Louis.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - high altar

The old high altar.

If you look carefully at the photos of the nave above, you can see that this altar is surrounded by an odd metal screen. I think the intent was that this was to become a private devotional area.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - carved cross with shamrocks

Stone carving in the chapel has shamrocks.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - memorial plaque

In Memory of James Boro.

Former Daughters of Charity chapel, at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis, in Normandy, Missouri, USA - sacristy

In the old Sacristy.

These photos were taken on April 3rd, 2009. Many thanks to Tina F. who alerted me to this place, and who gave me an extensive tour of the area.

Please see my older photo essays:
Normandy, Missouri - the "Little Rome of the West", part 1
Normandy, Missouri - the "Little Rome of the West", part 2

2 comments:

  1. These are fantastic pictures! Thanks for capturing such a beautiful part of St. Louis' Vincentian history.
    If you are interested in seeing the windows that have been removed, many of them were relocated to the Daughters of Charity provincial offices on Olive Street.

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  2. I would really enjoy seeing the windows! Who would I call to visit? Could I take photos?

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