Encouraging the mission of priestly formation and future leadership in the Catholic Church in the United States.

Rohn and Associates Design, Inc. was proud to attend the dedication of the Casa Santa Maria containing the new home of the Institute for Continuing Theological Education at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. (http://www.pnac.org/casa-santa-maria/about-casa-santa-maria/). This newly renovated villa will contain a Chapel for Priests taking part in this sabbatical program, which has been designed by our firm. Father Michael G. Wensing is the director of the sabbatical program and has been working for the past six months with Rolf and Kathy and our team of designers, including Monsignor Moroney.

Since its inception in 1971, the ICTE has provided the highest quality of sabbatical renewal to more than two thousand Priests, allowing them to revitalize their theological education in fulfillment of the Saint Paul’s invocation: “I remind you to rekindle the gift of faith that is within you.” (2 Tim 1:6). In order to continue this tradition of excellence, the Pontifical North American College is completing the renovation of the new Chapel of SAINT JOHN VIANNEY in its newly renovated home.

Rohn and Associates Design, Inc. painstakingly designed this sacred space so that the environment and all of its appointments reflect and encourage the mission of priestly formation. Among the highlights are a hand-carved oak statue of the Mary, Mother of Priest presenting the Christ Child for adoration, a Cosmatesque masterpiece based on a medieval Tabernacle from the Church of Santa Sabina on the Aventine and a hand painted mural with a gold-leafed reproduction of the Mosaic of the Cross, Vine and the Branches depicted in the ancient Church of San Clemente.

To help offset the cost of such an extensive renovation, our firm worked closely with the ICTE to develop a very successful fundraising campaign, including a custom-made brochure that helped raise funds for the project. Patrons were invited to make donations in their name or in memory of loved ones that would then proudly be displayed in the Chapel, and they did so with an astonishing selflessness. Rolf R. Rohn donated several items for the Chapel.


Rohn and Associates Design, Inc. was also pleased to help to sponsor the "Rector's Album” for the North American College’s Rector's Dinner on April 15th. The largest Rector’s Dinner to date, with close to 500 guests gathered at the Janiculum Hill seminary, the dinner honored Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and the Honorable Francis and Mrs. Kathleen Rooney with the annual Rector’s Award for their generous support in training seminarians for future leadership in the Catholic Church in the United States.
http://www.pnac.org/2010/04/rectors-dinner-words-of-gratitude-and-photos/

The dedication for the completed Chapel will be held in June 2010.

Courtyard photo courtesy of the Pontifical North American College