Archbishop rededicates St. Thomas University Chapel in memory of Pope Francis 

By Priscilla Greear - Florida Catholic

MIAMI | Archbishop Thomas Wenski celebrated a Mass of rededication the Chapel of St. Anthony at St. Thomas University (STU) in Miami Gardens, renewing a sacred space in beauty and mission as a wellspring of prayer and worship for the academic community.

The Mass took place on April 29, 2025, of the second week of Easter when Archbishop Wenski blessed the St. Thomas University cross and tabernacle and consecrated the new altar. The liturgy honored the life and legacy of Pope Francis, commending his passionate call to care for creation, reach the suffering, walk with the poor and proclaim God’s mercy.

In May 2024, during the International Congress of Youth Ministry, Father Rafael Capó, vice president of mission and ministry at STU, and STU graduate student Isabelle Seiglie presented the publication “Catholic Identity: Mission and Vision at St. Thomas University” to Pope Francis, who provided profound affirmation of the STU mission.

“With the rededication Mass we honor the memory of Pope Francis, recalling his personal encouragement when he received STU’s Catholic identity and student prayer books in 2024…and invited all to continue his legacy of joyful missionary discipleship,” said STU President David Armstrong.

Welcoming the congregation, Father Capó presented the beautified chapel of the archdiocese-sponsored university to Archbishop Wenski, who sprinkled water to bless it. “Inspired by the original vision of Father Jorge Sardiñas, who designed this sacred space with theological depth, artistic beauty and a heart rooted in the Eucharist, the chapel has now been renewed to continue forming generations of faith-filled leaders,” said Father Capó. “As we rededicate this sacred space, may it continue to be a place of transformation, worship and renewal,” he added.

At the request of Archbishop emeritus John Favalora, STU built the chapel in the heart of campus, which was consecrated in 2004. The late Father Jorge Sardiñas, founding chaplain and professor of art history and studio art, designed the liturgical furnishings with native keystone from Key Largo, as well as the Stations of the Cross and statues of Mary and St. Joseph that appear to float beside the altar. He also designed the luminous stained-glass windows including images depicting blue waves and the moon and sun, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of Creation, reflecting South Florida’s geography between the sunlit Caribbean waters and moonlit Atlantic.

Father Capó also honored the relics of saints that were enshrined in the altar following its consecration:  St. Thomas of Villanova, STU’s patron saint who was a brilliant scholar, Spanish archbishop and servant of the poor; St. Maria Goretti, young martyr of purity and forgiveness; Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, young witness of the Beatitudes; and Blessed Carlo Acutis, young apostle of the Eucharist.

Amidst the intellectual grind of academia, Archbishop Wenski reminded congregants in his homily that prayer is the prime resource for the hopeful. He said the dedication Mass was also a time to rededicate themselves to Christ and to bear fruit for God’s kingdom. “Prayer is the lifting up of our minds and hearts to God. Through prayer, we open those same minds and hearts to a future of hope, a hope that is not limited only to this life, but to the eternal life for which God has created each one of us,” he said.  

The archbishop thanked Joseph and Winifred Amaturo, who donated funds to construct the chapel and for its renovation in 2024. The couple also made a gift to STU to establish the Amaturo Family School of Theology and Ministry.

In the rite of dedication, the archbishop blessed the university cross modeled after the San Damiano Crucifix with Christ flanked by chapel patron saints St. Anthony of Padua and St. Thomas of Villanova. The Augustinian crest crowns the cross, honoring the school’s roots from the University of Santo Tomás de Villanueva, founded by Augustinian friars in Cuba. Following the revolution, several Augustinians moved to Miami and founded STU as Biscayne College in 1961. The cross honors Victor and Idania Benitz by their family.

The archbishop consecrated and anointed the new altar with chrism. As the relics were deposited beneath the altar, the archbishop prayed that the saints would inspire the students of St. Thomas to follow Christ with courage, purity and joyful witness. In conclusion, he blessed the tabernacle, gifted in honor of the parents of John and June Mary Makdisi. It incorporates the golden rays from the stained glass.

In closing remarks, Armstrong expressed gratitude for the chapel to serve as a spiritual bastion in the heart of the campus. “As we rededicate this sacred space, may it continue to be a place of transformation, worship and renewal for generations to come,” said the president. “Today we reaffirm STU’s mission: to form ethical leaders rooted in faith, reason and justice—leaders for today and tomorrow, for the Church and society.”