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June 17, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – In one of the final rituals marking the closure of Siena Heights University, members of the Siena Heights Community and Adrian Dominican Sisters participated in the Solemn Closing of St. Dominic Chapel during a profound and heart-felt Liturgy. Gathered for the event were students, alumni, friends, former and recent faculty, staff, and administrators of Siena Heights University and Adrian Dominican Sisters.
“Welcome to the solemn closing of St. Dominic Chapel,” said Trudy McSorley, who planned the liturgy with Father Tom Helfrich, OSFS, celebrant and longtime chaplain. “We’re here today as a community of believers and as a community that’s drawn to the mission of Siena Heights University. We’re here today also with very, very mixed emotions … but we hold each other in love and support.”
An Adrian Dominican Associate, Trudy taught for years in the University’s theater program, directed the University’s Child Drama Program, and served as Dean for Students.
The chapel – originally named Lumen Ecclesiae Chapel – was dedicated by Cardinal Edward Mooney, Archbishop of Detroit, on May 7, 1957. Lumen Ecclesiae (Light of the Church) was a traditional title for St. Dominic. The name was changed to St. Dominic Chapel in 2009 to reflect more clearly the intention of honoring St. Dominic.
“We’re truly standing on Holy Ground as today we assemble to remember the sacred history of this holy place,” Sister Carol Johannes, OP, said in her reflection on the readings. “We contemplate in gratitude all that God has done in us and for us here.”
Reflecting on the first reading, 1 Kings 8:22; 27-30, which recounts King Solomon’s prayer as he stood before his newly completed temple, Sister Carol noted the importance of temple worship to the people of Israel. “And yet, if we compare it to the sacred history of what has happened here in St. Dominic’s Chapel, for almost three-quarters of a century, it pales by comparison,” she said.
Sister Carol noted the many ways the University used the chapel: for daily and Sunday Mass, Baccalaureate Masses, and various prayer services. In addition, many Adrian Dominican Sisters celebrated their reception of the habit, their profession of first and final vows, funeral liturgies, the Liturgy of the Hours, and General Chapter sessions in the chapel.
Sister Carol also reflected on the second reading (Ephesians 2:19-22), in which St. Paul tells the Ephesians that in Christ, they are “being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” She challenged the assembly, “Perhaps we might like to pray to believe in and experience the staggering implications of this truth: in communion with one another, we ourselves become the dwelling place of God. Never mind temples or chapels or churches, as important as these are.”
Finally, in reflection on the Gospel (John 14:1-3, 15-20, 27), Sister Carol assured the assembly that Jesus’ words of encouragement to his apostles before he underwent his own suffering and death are applied to them in their moment of sorrow. “We know that he’s speaking to us as well, when he tells us to ‘not let our hearts be troubled.’ Jesus assures us that closing the doors of St. Dominic’s Chapel will open new doors for us, and behind them, he will always be waiting.” [Read Sister Carol's full remarks here.]
The hymns and psalm chosen for the Mass joyfully reflected the spirit of welcome in St. Dominic Chapel, the Eucharistic feast prepared by Jesus in every Mass, and the traditions and sense of family of Dominicans.
The closing of St. Dominic Chapel was manifested at the end, when Father Tom carried the Blessed Sacrament from St. Dominic Chapel to St. Catherine Chapel on the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse. The assembly processed with him between the neighboring chapels.
Just before Sister Judith Benkert, OP, Sacristan, formally transferred the Blessed Sacrament into the tabernacle of St. Catherine Chapel, Father Tom reminded the Assembly of the meaning of faith. “We are one church,” he said. “As we say good-bye to St. Dominic Chapel, we celebrate the fact that our faith goes on. Our mission goes on.”
Watch a video showcasing highlights of the event below or on our public video library.
Caption for feature photo at top: Cheri Betz, President of Siena Heights University, leads a procession from St. Dominic Chapel at the end of the Solemn Closing of St. Dominic Chapel.
Thank you for sharing this powerful closing liturgy at St. Dominic Chapel. Sister Carol's beautiful reflection captured the moment for me. Seeing the chapel brought back memories of my own reception so many years ago and the great blessing that my years in the Adrian Dominican Community brought to my life. The closing song and procession brought tears to my eyes. I am saddened by the closing of the University and chapel and grateful for all the work you continue to do to do and the gift are to the Church and world. Lois
WITH GREAT SADNESS AND UNDERSTANDING I HOLD THE CELEBRATION AND HONORING OF THE CLOSING OF ST. DOMINIC'S CHAPEL AS A YOUNG 16 YEAR OLD LIVING AT REGINA CHAELI, ATTENDING DOMINICANA AND CELEBRATING LITURGIES AND RETREATS IN 'LUMEN" .... PROCESSIONS OF MAY CROWNING.... WALKING THE WALK INTO THE MOTHERHOUSE TO ENTER THE CONVENT AS A 17 YEAR OLD.... RECEIVING THE HABIT AT 'LUMEN' .... THIS HAS BEEN HOME... THIS IS THE FOUNDATION OF MY SPIRITUALITY, OF MY EDUCATION ... OF BEING THE WOMAN I AM. LUMEN SIGNIFIED THE TRANSFORMATION OF THIS YOUNG GIRL INTO A WOMAN HEALING SPIRITS AND BRINGING GRACE AND HEALTH TO SO VERY MANY IN MY PROFESSION AND IN MY WORLD. I MOURN THE CLOSING - WITH ALL OF ITS SPIRIT AND LIFE ALIVE FOREVER WITHIN MYSELF.
I graduated from St Joseph Academy in 1962 and remember Lumen Chapel well. I’m so sorry to hear the Chapel and College are closing. It was a blessed time in my life. Thank you all for your service. Gods Blessings. Alicia.