St. Charles Borromeo Seminary has received a $1 million anonymous gift to strengthen its endowment and support two newly named campus spaces, seminary officials announced Aug. 11.
The donation includes $250,000 to name the private chapel in Drexel Hall the St. John Vianney Chapel, honoring the patron saint of parish priests, and $750,000 to name the seminary’s main courtyard the Our Lady of Angels Courtyard.
The donors, who asked to remain anonymous, said the gift reflects a lesson passed down by their parents: “Those who have been blessed should share their blessings with the world.”
At the donors’ request, members of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia attended the naming ceremony. Their participation carried special significance because the congregation’s college, founded in 1965, was originally named Our Lady of Angels.
“A gift like this brings so much hope to us all,” said Sister Kathy Dougherty, O.S.F. “There is so much suffering in the world, and we are lucky to have the Blessed Mother to lean on in times of darkness. I am thrilled that our seminarians have this space to spend time with Mary in prayer.”
Father Christopher Redcay, rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, said the gift will help ensure the institution’s long-term financial stability and support its mission of forming future priests and Church leaders.
“Endowment support is essential for the future of St. Charles, allowing us to sustain our mission, provide for our seminarians, and preserve the spiritual and educational excellence that has defined this institution for generations,” Father Redcay said.
Founded in 1832, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary serves the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and dioceses across the country, forming men for the Roman Catholic priesthood, diaconate, and theological formation.
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