Tulane chapel dedication Mass celebrated by Archbishop

Tulane Today today@tulane.edu
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A dedication Mass of the Chapel of St. Martin de Porres, donated by Gayle and Tom Benson was celebrated by New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond on Nov. 6. The construction of the 140-seat chapel, located in the Fr. Val McInnes, OP, Center for Catholic Life, was made possible by a $500,000 gift from the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation. The Center for Catholic Life opened in 2015 as a new home for efforts to strengthen the Catholic presence on campus and better serve the Tulane community. 

St. Martin chapel dedication 1
Archbishop Gregory Aymond prays with outstretched arms at the dedication mass of the Chapel of St. Martin de Porres, donated by Gayle and Tom Benson. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)
St. Martin dedication 2
The congregation fills the 140-seat chapel as they kneel in prayer. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)
St. Martin chapel dedication altar
Archbishop Aymond anoints the altar of the chapel. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)
Chapel dedication incense
As the congregation sings, Archbishop Aymond conducts the incensation of the altar. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)
TU Catholic Chapel 4
Intricate, colorful artwork behind the altar and stained glass windows adorn the chapel. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)
St. Martin chapel dedication 4
(From left to right) Tulane President Mike Fitts, Gayle Benson, Archbishop Gregory Aymond, and Fr. Thomas Schaefgen, chaplain of Tulane Catholic Center, in front of the altar following the dedication mass. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)