University Opens New Catholic Chapel in Lincoln Park
September 4, 2007
 |
DePaul has inaugurated the St. Louise de Marillac Chapel in Lincoln Park. Located in the Student Center, 2250 N. Kenmore Ave., the 60-seat chapel will allow the more than 400 Catholic students who regularly attend weekly mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church to celebrate mass and worship on DePaul's campus. Mike Vasilko of Vasilko Architects designed the chapel space, while its art work was created by well-known Chicago artist Meltem Aktas, who specializes in sacred spaces. The glass-walled structure includes Aktas? cobalt blue hand-blown glass ornamentation inset into the altar and pulpit and sea-blue glass doors on the tabernacle?giving the chapel a watery, feminine quality. The Rev. Chris Robinson, C.M., director of Catholic Community and Pastoral Outreach for University Ministry, says the symbolism of water and birth reflects the feminine spirit of God and of St. Louise de Marillac. "It's a contemplative, consoling, peaceful and empowering space," said Fr. Robinson. "It's beautiful and visible, so even if some students never walk in, they are still going to pass by and question, 'What do I believe?'" Considered the saint of social work, Louise de Marillac was a friend and co-worker of St. Vincent de Paul. Her work in 17th century France was devoted to the care of the poor, specifically women. She founded the Daughters of Charity and developed a model system of hospital care that is used by the organization even today and has been expanded to include orphanages, institutions for the elderly and mentally ill, prisons, schools and combat zones.
