September 15, 2011
The St. Mary’s University community today celebrated the renovation of the historic Assumption Chapel in Reinbolt Hall with an altar dedication and Mass.
The dedication and Mass was celebrated by The Most Rev. Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S., Archbishop of San Antonio. The renovation of Assumption Chapel was generously supported by Ruben Escobedo (B.B.A. ’60) and his wife Veronica, though the Ruben M. Escobedo and Veronica Salazar Escobedo Charitable Fund.
“Fifty years later, I realize how pivotal St. Mary’s and the Marianists were in my life, and eventually in my family’s life,” said Escobedo, who currently serves on the Board of Trustees and is a past chairman. “This was a way for my wife and me to thank the Marianists for all they have meant to the Escobedo family.”
“Assumption Chapel has been the center of spirituality and community on the campus of St. Mary’s University for more than 100 years,” said Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D., St. Mary’s President. “We are grateful for the leadership and generosity of Ruben and Veronica Escobedo in this project – the chapel renovations are a beautiful reminder of their dedication and love for St. Mary’s and the Marianists.”
The chapel, which was built in 1908, has been rearranged, reorganized and renovated numerous times in the past century. But in each of its many incarnations, its focus has remained on the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.