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Photo gallery tour of St. Procopius Abbey Complex
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Photo gallery tour of St. Procopius Abbey Stained Glass
Click this link to view our photo gallery.
The Abbey Complex
The Abbey complex was designed to respect the natural oak-hickory wooded hillside which it occupies. The entrance/Church segment — designed with the Easter Liturgy as a priority — is a prominent architectural feature and is atop the natural high point of the area. Other elements of architectural interest contained within the living space cascade down the landscape.
Christian optimism, simplicity and order — all characteristics of Benedictine monasticism — are strongly represented in St. Procopius Abbey, Lisle, Illinois. The Abbey, designed by Edward Dart of Leobl, Schlossman, Bennett, and Dart, reflects the residential and institutional nature of monastic complexes. Extensive use of brick, quarry tile and wood helps create an atmosphere of peace, restraint and moderation necessary for the quiet lives the monks lead.
Exterior Views
Above the altar of the Lady (St. Mary’s) Chapel, is the Abbey bell tower, which contains three bells cast in 1892. The bells can be seen from the cloister courtyard. A lantern window indirectly lights the altar below.
Cedar Cross
A 17-foot cedar cross is the only exterior symbol of the monastery’s religious nature. Behind the cross is the Abbey Church. One side of the gable roof admits light through a 20 by 90 foot clerestory; the other side is covered by standing seam alloy. Refectory
The refectory, or dining hall, is one of the largest public rooms at St. Procopius. Two stories high, with a sloping fir-decked ceiling, brick walls, and quarry tile floors, the refectory seats 120 persons. Round oak tables were chosen by the monks to help promote conversation when reading and silence are not required.
Abbey Church
The Abbey Church with its 65-foot apex dominates the monastery. The Church was conceived as a room within a room. The upper section is used by the monks for daily worship and is flooded with north light from a large clerestory. The lower section is for the congregation, which is seated on three banks of pews that radiate from the altar. At the head of the Church is a brick acoustical wall laid in Flemish bond without headers.
The Lady Chapel
A tapestry of the Russian Our Lady of Vladimir icon and late 13th century polychrome wood carving of Mary and the Child set off the Lady Chapel, which is used by the monks for midday prayer and night prayer.
Holy Water Font
Across a short corridor from the Lady Chapel is the holy water font, carved from a five foot square block of carnelian granite. The font holds 144 gallons. An Easter Candle has been placed next to the font and beneath a pierced brick wall.
Blessed Sacrament Chapel
The Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the third of three worship areas, provides space for Lectio Divina and private prayer.
Chapter Room
The Chapter Room is directly beneath the Lady Chapel. The monks use it as a meeting room where deliberation and voting on significant matters occur.
Sacristy
Adjacent to the Abbey Church is the sacristy. The carpeted, multi-chambered room is used as a preparation area as the monks gather together in advance of the Divine Office and Eucharist. The sacristy also houses an area for vestment storage, work, private altars and a reliquary chapel.
Guest House
Guest accommodations are available for visitors to the Abbey in the Abbey Guest House.
Guest Refectory
Guests visiting the Abbey may join community members for a meal in the Guest Refectory.
Cloister Courtyard
The cloister courtyard shows the bell tower and Church from the monastic living area. A notable element of monastic architecture, the poly-angled enclosed courtyard, looks up the hill on which the building complex is situated.
Abbey’s Backyard
The Abbey’s backyard provides a buffer from the surrounding neighborhood as well as a refuge for wildlife that regularly inhabit the grounds.
Vegetable Garden
A vegetable garden produces seasonal foods for meals at the Abbey.
Orchard
Close by is an apple, pear, and plum orchard that yields fresh fruit. Some of the fruit is pressed for juice.
Workshops
Workshops allow monks places to construct and repair items for use around the Abbey.
Vineyard
Grapes are grown in the Abbey’s vineyard are squeezed for juice and wine.
The End of the Abbey Tour
You have come to the end of the tour. We hope you have enjoyed it. It’s been a pleasure for us to share a bit of our home, life, and mission with you.
Please sign our Guest Book.
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“Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.”
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