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

IMG_4974Chatfield 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.

 

Upcoming Events

Annual Fall Festival

5k Nun Run

Celebrating Our Scholars Brunch

The Hechinger Report: The Chatfield Edge – The Future is Now

The Chatfield Edge was recently profiled in The Hechinger Report and The Washington Post about our innovative way to continue supporting local students pursuing higher education, even after closing the…

Read More »

Kelly Smith Taylor joins The Chatfield Edge as the Director of Development

The Chatfield Edge announces the appointment of Kelly Smith Taylor as its new Director of Development. Kelly joined the team in December to help advance the mission of The Chatfield…

Read More »

Chatfield Alum Heather Strong – 2023 Brown County Teacher of the Year

We are excited to announce that Heather Strong (née Sizemore), a graduate of the former Chatfield College, has been recognized as the 32nd Brown County Teacher of the Year. Heather…

Read More »