September 16, 2026 – HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital has dedicated a new chapel as part of the hospital’s $90 million transformation project.
The St. Clare of Assisi Chapel, located near the hospital’s main entrance, was recently blessed by Most Rev. Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, during a dedication ceremony.
The chapel provides a space for patients, families and hospital colleagues to pray, reflect or find a quiet place during their time at St. Mary’s.
The chapel incorporates elements of the hospital’s history, including stained-glass windows from the original chapel that were removed and installed in the new space.
The design also includes 148 stars and a central star representing the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, recognizing the hospital’s Franciscan heritage and community support.
The chapel was named after St. Clare of Assisi following a discernment process involving community members and HSHS colleagues. St. Clare was a contemporary of St. Francis of Assisi and is remembered for her faith, simplicity and devotion.
Hospital officials say the chapel is part of the broader transformation of St. Mary’s designed to enhance the environment for patients, families and colleagues while continuing the hospital’s mission of compassionate care.
