Generations of alums and students have felt it: peace emanating from the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District. Students enjoy the blend of energy and calm that comes from the grounds of this campus. A spiritual place for more than 178 years, the campus features sacred sites. Here are some of them:
1. Blessed Sacrament Chapel
This chapel was affectionately described by Bishop Joseph Chartrand, who consecrated it in 1924, as the “Chapel of Divine Love.” Sisters of Providence, SMWC students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors regularly visit for adoration of the Eucharist.
2. Church of the Immaculate Conception
Consecrated in 1907, the Church of the Immaculate Conception is an Italian Renaissance church designed after the Church of the Holy Trinity in Paris, France. The most important celebrations at SMWC occur in this space including Ring Day and the baccalaureate Mass. Daily and Sunday Masses are offered here.
3. Labyrinth
Nestled in these woods, the labyrinth offers a unique opportunity for prayer and meditation. Because it is outdoors, it allows us to be one with nature while taking a therapeutic walk.
4. Log Cabin Chapel
Located on the site of the first Mass at this campus, this log cabin is a replica of the one visited by the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her five companions when they arrived at The Woods in 1840.
5. Our Lady of Fatima
This statue of the Virgin Mary’s apparition to three shepherd kids greets all who come through the College gate. Located along The Avenue, it overlooks Le Fer Lake.
6. Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
A popular space for visitors and students alike, this grotto is similar to the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto in France. A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is at the center and it rests on a stone from Lourdes, France. Visitors admire this space from a viewing area above or an altar below.
7. Sacred Heart Chapel in Le Fer Hall
This chapel is a short walk away from classrooms and the students’ rooms. A key feature of the main floor of the residence hall, this is where students gather for Mass or a short prayer service. It is also a place where they go for quiet prayer and reflection whether at the beginning of the day or at the end of an exam.
8. Saint Anne Shell Chapel
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin built this chapel, completed in 1875, in thanksgiving for her answered prayer of safety during her stormy return journey from France. It is the oldest structure at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. True to its name, the chapel’s interior walls are decorated with shells from the Wabash River.
9. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Shrine and Statue
Visitors from near and far journey to The Woods to visit the shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her statue near the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The shrine tells the story of Mother Theodore and the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. It features artifacts used by Mother Theodore; Her remains rest in the innermost part of the shrine and is directly underneath the altar of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
10. Sisters of Providence Convent Cemetery
This cemetery on the grounds of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods has been in use since 1861. Some priests and thousands of Sisters of Providence have been laid to rest in this cemetery including a portion of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s remains.
1 Comment