A Sacred Place of Remembrance and Renewal

For nearly a century, as we approach the 100th Anniversary of both the Province and the Chapel (1926–2026), the Mount Saint Francis Chapel has been the heart of prayer, reflection, and community for all who visit. Originally built under the supervision of Fr. Paul Vollrath, OFM Conv., in 1926, this chapel has served as a sacred space for generations of friars, retreatants, and the broader Southern Indiana community. As we embark on this journey of remembrance and renewal, we invite you to join us in restoring and enhancing this sacred space for future generations. Your support will help preserve the chapel’s beauty, improve accessibility, and create a more welcoming environment for all who seek solace and connection with God.

About the Renovation

The Mount Saint Francis Chapel Renovation Campaign is a $1.6 million-dollar initiative dedicated to ensuring that this sacred space continues to serve our friars, retreatants, and visitors for years to come. Through thoughtful updates and preservation efforts, we aim to:

• Restore the historic stained-glass windows, maintaining their vibrant colors and intricate details, ensuring these cherished windows continue to illuminate the chapel with their beauty and meaning.
• Improve accessibility for all, including ramps and a lift.
• Enhance structural integrity while preserving the chapel’s historical charm.

These enhancements will allow the chapel to remain a place of deep spiritual connection, embracing our history while renewing our commitment to faith and community.

Why This Matters

The Mount Saint Francis Chapel has been a cornerstone of faith for nearly 100 years. From its early days as a Franciscan seminary chapel to its role today as a retreat and community gathering space, it has provided a sacred place for worship, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Built on land generously donated by actress Mary Anderson in 1896, the chapel was designed to inspire and form young men preparing for Franciscan life. Since 1975, it has continued to serve friars, retreat groups, and the faithful from across the region.

With its Italian Gothic-style architecture, striking rose window, and cherished stained-glass artwork imported from Germany, the chapel stands as a spiritual beacon in Southern Indiana. By restoring and preserving this sacred space, we embrace both remembrance of our past and renewal of our future, ensuring that the Mount Saint Francis Chapel continues to inspire generations to come.

How You Can Help

Your generosity can help bring this vision to life. There are multiple ways to support the Chapel Renovation Project:

• Make a Donation: Every gift, large or small, contributes to preserving this sacred space.
• Sponsor a Feature: Leave a lasting legacy by supporting the restoration of the historic stained-glass windows .
• Attend a Fundraising Event: Join us for special events dedicated to supporting the project.
• Pray for the Project: Your spiritual support is just as vital in ensuring the success of this initiative.

Follow Our Progress

Stay up to date on the renovation journey! Check back for:

• Project updates and milestones
• Before-and-after photos
• Videos and testimonials from those involved

Together, we honor our past and embrace our future—celebrating this transformation as a moment of remembrance and renewal!

Thank You to Our Supporters

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors and sponsors. Your support ensures that this chapel remains a place of faith, hope, and love for generations to come.

Together, let us renew our sacred space.