Franciscan University of Steubenville recently celebrated the reopening of Christ the King Chapel after a significant 15-month renovation. This project, which cost $16.5 million, aimed to enhance the chapel’s role as a vital spiritual center on campus.
The renovations nearly doubled the seating capacity from 325 to 590, allowing more students and community members to participate in worship. The chapel also features a new altar, tabernacle, and improved sacred art, including beautiful stained glass windows.
This renovation is part of a larger fundraising effort called the Rebuild My Church Capital Campaign, which raised over $126 million for various university projects. Bishop Edward M. Lohse led a Mass of Solemn Blessing during the reopening, emphasizing the importance of the chapel in uniting the community in worship.
Originally built in 1969, Christ the King Chapel has been a hub for students, staff, and visitors for generations. As the university grew, so did the need for more worship space. Father Dave Pivonka, the university president, helped steer the vision for this renewal to meet these needs.
The chapel now includes three side chapels, four confessionals, and areas for quiet reflection. It also has expanded facilities for music ministry, ensuring the community can enhance its worship experience. Additionally, the outdoor plaza is set to feature a statue of Christ the King, gardens, and personalized bricks, creating an inviting entryway.
Pivonka expressed gratitude for the alumni and community support that made this improvement possible. He hopes the chapel will inspire future generations to deepen their faith and foster community connections.
In a world where places of worship are evolving, this renovation highlights a growing trend. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 44% of young adults feel that a beautiful space increases their sense of spiritual connection. Renovations like those at Christ the King Chapel reflect the evolving significance of sacred spaces in fostering community and faith in modern settings.
As the Franciscan University community gathers in this renewed chapel, it looks forward to a future where faith continues to thrive and inspire both personal growth and collective worship.
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