Right here stands the Chapel of St. Martin de Porres. It is a space of refuge. It is a place of transcendent beauty. Welcome to the Tulane Catholic Center.
The Chapel of St. Martin de Porres is located within the Fr. Val Ambrose McInnes, O.P. Center for Catholic Life at Tulane University. This chapel is more than just a building. It embodies the University’s mission. It seeks to form students for professional success. It also emphasizes service to the community.
Let’s step back in time to the late 1930s. Informal gatherings of Catholic students evolved into the Newman Club. By 1943, the university and archdiocese recognized the club. This marked the beginning of a vibrant Catholic presence on campus.
In 1966, the Dominican Friars assumed leadership. They enriched Tulane with their intellectual and preaching tradition. Father Val McInnes, the first Dominican at Tulane, left a lasting legacy. The new center bears his name in honor.
But the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Hurricane Katrina exposed the inadequacy of the existing building. Archbishop Gregory Aymond recognized the need for a new center. A fundraising campaign began.
In November 2019, Archbishop Aymond consecrated the new Chapel of St. Martin de Porres. Gayle and Tom Benson generously donated it. The chapel became the primary worship space for Tulane Catholics.
Consider St. Martin de Porres himself. He was a mixed-race Dominican Saint from 16th-17th century Peru. He was known for miracles of healing. He was also known for his charity toward the poor.
The chapel’s design enhances prayer and reflection. Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc. developed inspiring artwork. A vibrant mural depicts St. Martin de Porres. He is the patron saint of racial harmony. The mural draws inspiration from modern Christian designs.
Note the three-dimensional carved wood corpus. It features polychrome glazing. CSS artisans also designed seven stained glass windows. These windows harmonize with the mural. They add color and texture to the space.
Father Thomas Schaefgen, chaplain of Tulane Catholic Center, envisioned the chapel as a refuge. He sought a space of transcendent beauty. He hoped it would allow students to encounter God. He believed that art, light, prayer, music, and sacred liturgy would facilitate this encounter.
Gayle Benson noted St. Martin de Porres’ commitment to inclusivity. She deemed it fitting to name the chapel in his honor. She wanted all Tulanians to experience the beauty and love of the Catholic religion.
The mural behind the altar tells a story. It depicts Christ Crucified. Angels and saints adore him in heavenly worship. St. Martin de Porres and the Blessed Virgin Mary are present. The blood of Christ flows upon the heavenly Jerusalem. It gives life to all.
The Chapel of St. Martin de Porres stands as a testament. It shows the commitment to the Catholic presence at Tulane University. It serves as a space for worship and spiritual growth. It welcomes all who seek an encounter with God.