Pangborn Hall: Chapel of the Annunciation
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1)
Today’s Gospel celebrates the origin point of the Christmas Story—Mary’s acceptance of God’s incarnation in her life.
Our reflection today takes us to the Chapel of the Annunciation in Pangborn Hall. Pangborn Hall currently has a unique role in the campus community—it provides a home for residence hall student communities as their dorm buildings are renovated. It has housed the communities of Walsh, Badin, and now Morrissey.
In today’s Gospel, Mary humbly accepts the angel’s surprising invitation to house the son of God in her womb.
Mary’s acceptance of God’s presence is, in a way, an act of hospitality, of welcoming a guest who is not just made in the image of Christ but who is, in fact, Christ. She welcomes the sacred guest of the Christ Child into the intimate space of her own body. How fitting then, that the annunciation—this moment of Mary’s hospitality— is the patronal chapel for this residence hall with a special call to hospitality.
As we spend a few moments in quiet meditation here in the Chapel of the Annunciation, let us ask ourselves: how can we offer hospitality to others today? How can we welcome them into our lives just like we will soon welcome the Christ child into our hearts?
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So happy to see the chapels of ND on this meditation journey.Each morning I am looking into my soul with the thoughts and reflection given to me
This was my dorm when I was a student at ND. I did not recall that the chapel was dedicated to the Annunciation, yet I now see how my time there opened me to a deeper acceptance of Christ into my life. I am grateful for the spiritual growth I gained during my time in Pangborn Hall.
Robert E. Jones
Spent my first summer term there before the Fall classes started. Great memories.
Like Pattie, I also look into my soul each day with the reflections and thoughts presented and try to follow those throughout my day.
I lived there for both my junior and senior years in 1967 and 1968. Father Robert Austgen was our rector and he later performed our wedding ceremony in Chicago. Many fond memories
I lived in Pangborn from 1978 – 1982. Father Riehle was our rector and a big influence on all of our lives. Wonderful memories
I was the rector of Pangborn from 1996-98 for women and I was fond of the Chapel and the Annunciation has a deep place in my spiritual life. Greetings to all the women of my 2 years there. Sister JoAnn Haney, OSF
“We were closest to the Chapel.” I moved into one of the four rooms in the basement, under the Chapel, of the new Pangborn Hall in 1956.
We had lights all night & private entrances (windows @ ground level). I remember many visits to the Chapel. The effect must have run deep since I graduated in 1957.
Don Rigali