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  • The Chapel of St Francis of Assisi at the University of Saint Francis rests along a lake with a fountain at dusk.

University of Saint Francis – Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi

Fort Wayne, Indiana

The University of Saint Francis wanted to create a space for the faculty and the sisters of the University.

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Project Details

Markets

Religious, Education,

Services Provided

Architecture, Interior Design, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plumbing Design,

Recognition

Awards

2017, AIA Fort Wayne: Renovation Merit Award

This long-awaited spiritual centerpiece on the University of Saint Francis campus was a dream cherished by faculty and the Sisters of Saint Francis for many years.

  • Design Collaborative has a wonderful way of listening to all options and then coming up with a design that meets all expressed needs. The result is that everyone has a clear sense of ownership for the project.

    Sister M. Elise Kriss, Former President
    University of Saint Francis

As the university’s first freestanding chapel, it stands prominently beside Mirror Lake, offering a peaceful and inspiring place for worship, reflection, and community gathering.

Designed to seat 250, the chapel is three times the size of the previous worship space and serves as the setting for weekly televised Mass for the diocese. A striking octagonal cupola—approximately 35 feet tall and wide—crowns the chapel, featuring eight towering stained-glass windows that bathe the interior in warm natural light. New liturgical furnishings and custom windows enhance the sacred atmosphere, making the chapel not only a landmark of faith but also a lasting symbol of tradition and unity on campus.
The chapel of St Francis of Assisi at the University of Saint Francis stands prominently beside a lake at dusk. People stand in worship in the interior of the University of Saint Francis Chapel of St Francis of Assisi.
The chapel of St Francis of Assisi at the University of Saint Francis stands prominently beside a lake at dusk. People stand in worship in the interior of the University of Saint Francis Chapel of St Francis of Assisi.
Traditional chapel stained glass ceiling detailing in the University of Saint Francis Chapel of Assisi. The University of Saint Francis Chapel of St Francis of Assisi at night with the stained glass windows lit up. Detailed interior ceiling at the University of Saint Francis Chapel of St Francis of Assisi with stained glass. Interior of the University of Saint Francis Chapel of St Francis of Assisi, detailed stained glass window. Interior of the University of Saint Francis Chapel of St Francis of Assisi with stained glass windows and a detailed altar with a cross.

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