Archbishop Schnurr Bestows Blessing on Chatfield’s New Chapel in OTR

Chatfield College in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood recently held a Blessing Ceremony for its newly completed St. Angela’s Chapel, dedicated in loving memory of Diane C. Knueven.  The blessing was bestowed by Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, followed by a Mass and luncheon for those in attendance.

Made possible by a generous gift from the Robert J. Knueven family, St. Angela’s Chapel was designed by Martha Dorff of Schickel Design, and named for St. Angela Merici , who founded the Company of St. Ursula in Brescia, Italy in 1535.  Today, the Company of St. Ursula is commonly known as Ursulines and can be found in all parts of the world.

“We are tremendously grateful to the Knueven family for their generous gift in loving memory of Diane, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother,” said John P. Tafaro, Chatfield’s President.  “We are thrilled that our OTR students now have a beautiful, welcoming and prayerful space that reflects our commitment to our Ursuline values and legacy.”

Chatfield College was founded by the Ursulines of Brown County in 1971 in St. Martin, Ohio, where the first Ursulines in Ohio established a school in 1845, at the invitation of Bishop John Baptist Purcell.  True to its Ursuline heritage and core values, Chatfield College empowers students who might best succeed within a supportive, small college experience.

St. Angela’s Chapel features an impressive round window, seven-feet in diameter, made from authentic German stained-glass and rich in the symbolism of Christianity.   The cross in the middle with the Chi Ro symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth, embodied by the coming of Christ.  The Angel with the trumpet announces His birth and the star symbolizes His coming.  Other symbolic content includes: fish, ancient symbols of the Catholic faith, the waters of baptism, and human community spanning city and country, reflecting the Chatfield communities of St Martin and Cincinnati, the green of new life, and the morning and evening of our lives.

Other noteworthy features of the Chapel include an historic confessional door from the St. Martin Church in Brown County, hand-painted artwork, a wall of intentions, beautifully crafted benches.

Click here to see more photos from the ceremony.