The University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, in Mundelein, kicked off its centennial celebration Sunday with a Mass attended by Cardinal Wilton Gregory and Cardinal Blase Cupich.
Gregory, who led the Mass, spoke on the features of the seminary that make it uniquely American, “from its striking architecture to the national emblems that were proudly displayed.”
“Mundelein Seminary would remind seminarians and visitors that this was an American institution,” he said. “This seminary was to educate men to be servant leaders.”
Gregory had attended the seminary in Mundelein, got ordained in 1973 and returned later to teach. Gregory is also the first Black cardinal appointed from the United States and is the Archbishop of the Archdioceses of Washington D.C.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, was also in attendance.
(Rob Dicker / for baiduhai)
(Rob Dicker / for baiduhai)
Gregory told about George Cardinal Mundelein arriving in Chicago by train in 1915 to assume the role of Archbishop of the Archdioceses. Mundelein would go on to reopen the seminary in 1921 and place it in the town that now bears his name.
Once the Mass ended, a brunch and campus tours were provided. Some of the day’s schedule included an oral history of the institution, a discussion on what life was like at the seminary and the showing of a vintage fire engine that Cardinal Mundelein presented to the Village of Area in the early part of the 20th Century. In Mundelein Hall, guests could browse photos and artifacts that showed the planning of the seminary in its early days.
The event Sunday represents a portion of what the Seminary has planned for the next eight months. Other events will include Christmas music in December, a lecture series featuring Bishop Robert Barron in March, a Mass of healing for victims of clerical abuse, and a celebration of Mundelein, both in April. The festivities will be capped off with “Centennial Day” on June 25, which will feature an outdoor Mass, a picnic and a concert, officials said.