Chapel At Nazareth To Be Renamed After School's Foundress

LA GRANGE PARK, IL — The chapel on the campus of Nazareth Academy will now be run by the school and renamed the Alexine Chapel after the school's foundress. The Congregation of St. Joseph recently completed construction of a new chapel at another location and agreed to have Nazareth take over management of the historic chapel on campus as of this upcoming Oct. 1.

For many decades, the chapel was the sacred place for CSJ liturgies, celebrations, ceremonies of taking vows and commemorating jubilees, as well as other special congregational moments, according to a news release from the school.

“We are so happy to have Nazareth Academy assume the operations and primary use of our beautiful chapel,” said Sr. Kathy Brazda of the CSJ Leadership Team. “Our relationship with Nazareth insures that the historic windows designed by Sr. George Ellen as well as many other beautiful pieces of art including sculptures by Sr. Richard and the altar and ambo created by Sr. Mary Southard will endure. We look forward to the new energy that Nazareth Academy brings to our beloved chapel.”

The chapel has hosted Nazareth’s school masses, retreats, prayer services and even concerts since the school moved to its present location in La Grange Park 1974.

Nazareth Academy President Deborah Tracy said the change in management during the school's 120th anniversary is fitting to rename it the Alexine Chapel.

“We are forever grateful to her and to all of the Sisters of Saint Joseph who have paved the way for us," she said. "They remain our biggest supporters and the very best role models for each of us.”