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Spiritual Life Center

GPS Coords: N 41.43395 W 75.63167

Swartz Center for Spiritual Life

swartz center tn

On April 21, 2007 the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life was dedicated and the Marian Chapel was blessed. During an extensive 18-month renovation, the former Marian Convent Chapel was converted to an open and welcoming center of worship, meditation and contemplation for the entire University community, along with visitors and friends.

Along with the chapel, the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life includes the Campus Ministry office suite, a community room and a narthex. This area is the center of spiritual outreach to the campus. Adjacent to this focal point is the new Conferencing and Community Outreach Center. This state-of-the-art facility can be used by the University or the community at large.

Although the entire Chapel has been enhanced and made ready for student use, the biggest change is the installation of a two-story semi-octagonal Mondrian-like pattern of stained and clear glass surrounding the altar. At night, the sanctuary serves as a "lantern" on the hill, calling all to the spiritual center of campus life.

As music is a central part of worship, a new pipe organ and Steinway piano are housed in the chapel. The Second Vatican Council asserted that the musical tradition of the church is a treasure of immeasurable value. Along with liturgical use, both instruments are an important part of the Music Department's program of sacred and secular offerings to the campus and community.

The creation of the Marian Chapel bears witness and brings a sense of completeness to the I.H.M. mission of higher education. It returns to Marywood the heritage of the chapel in the Motherhouse that was lost to a fire in 1971.

Along with the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life and the Marian Chapel, the former Marian Convent is the home to Loughran Hall, a modern 325 bed student residence hall which opened in September 2006.