Alumni Couple Supports Chapel Restoration

Dahlgren Chapel is more just a church—it’s the heart of our campus and home to Georgetown’s Catholic community.

The site of daily Masses, six regularly scheduled Sunday Masses and up to four weddings each Saturday, Dahlgren Chapel was the university’s first building to be completely funded by philanthropy when John and Elizabeth Dahlgren made their naming gift in 1893.

More than a century later, a much-needed restoration of the chapel has begun, and generous gifts have once again provided the necessary funding to support this campus landmark.

“An Answer to Our Prayers”

L. Francis (C’75, L’78) and Kathleen (F’77) Rooney of Naples, Fla., joined other donors to raise the more than $7.5 million cost of the two-year renovation, which will address structural issues by shoring up the chapel’s foundation that created cracks in walls and stained glass windows. Francis Rooney was U.S. ambassador to the Vatican from 2005-2008.

Georgetown President John J. DeGioia has called the Rooneys’ gift “an answer to our prayers” that has allowed the university to start this important work right away.

“We could not reimagine Dahlgren's future without the dedication and generosity of the Rooney family,” says Rev. Kevin O’Brien, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry. “Francis and Kathleen met here as students and this place was important to their faith. They want to share that gift with generations of students.”