Dumbach Scholars Explore Sacred Spaces

"AP Art History is the anchor class for the Dumbach Scholars program, and religious architecture is a large part of the course curriculum," says Director of Dumbach Scholars Mrs. Lesley Shifrin. "The purpose of the sacred space visits is for the students to deepen their understanding of sacred architecture by visiting religious spaces outside their own spiritual home. During their visits, they observe the site's design, decoration, and atmosphere, documenting their experience through notes, sketches, and photos."

By gaining insight into different faith traditions, students deepened their understanding of the design and symbolism of these sacred spaces. This approach shifted their perspective from "this is how it looks" to "this is why it looks that way."

On Wednesday, November 12, Dumbach Scholars traveled to Rogers Park to visit the Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola University Chicago. Assistant Director of Campus Ministry for Sacramental Life Dr. Derrick Witherington led the group on a tour through the church and crypt. Throughout the tour, students took in the vibrant stained glass windows and decorations throughout the church.

"I liked how the style blended the stained glass elements we have been learning about as well as the gold leaf images that we have seen in class with modern architectural techniques," said  Stella Schultz '28. "The experience helped me better visualize and understand the concepts we have been learning about, while seeing how art can create a religious experience that touches your head and your heart."

"I think that this community's style, and by featuring the stained glass windows of Jesuit leaders representing various buildings and traditions of the school, as well as the use of Jesuits on the main painting, truly highlights Loyola University's emphasis on their Jesuit identity," added Zara Nunez '27. "For me, I saw myself in the Spiritual Exercises window, remembering how I have my own Kairos retreat coming up. I also felt that the light usage was meant for everyone to have their own separate experience based on where they were in the chapel."

While on the Loyola University Campus, the group stopped by Dumbach Hall, named after Loyola University President Fr. Henry J. Dumbach, S.J. This stop was special not only because the building is the original location of Loyola Academy, but Fr. Dumbach is also the namesake of the Dumbach Scholars Program.

The group also visited Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) on the school’s Water Tower Campus to view two exhibitions: Freedom in Form by Richard Hunt and the Martin D'Arcy, SJ Permanent Collection.

"What moved me most was realizing that despite the painful history King fought against, Hunt’s sculpture highlights beauty, light, optimism, and hope. It reminded me of something I try to practice in my own life, which is finding meaning and positivity in difficult moments or periods of time," said Brooke Wetoska '28 of Hunt’s piece titled From the Sea. "Hunt's ability to transform profound struggle into liberating art inspires me to believe that challenges can shape both individuals and communities for the better."

While in the Martin D'Arcy, SJ Permanent Collection, students viewed religious art from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Ahead of their visit, students researched specific works and later presented them to their small group members.

In the first after-school visit to Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews provided a guided tour, explaining the imagery and significance of icons throughout the space.

"I found that this experience gave me a greater awareness of my faith, in the fact that seeing this church and learning about it helped me to better contextually understand Christianity as a whole, and therefore to understand my denomination of it," reflected Max Gahbauer '28.

In another after-school trip, students visited Sukkot Shalom Synagogue, where Director of Congregational Learning Missy Bell gave a thoughtful presentation on Judaism and allowed students to see the Torah up close. Ramblers even participated in a service alongside Hebrew school students, which included music and prayer.

"This trip was very important for me because I believe that in order to be a good, well-rounded citizen, you need to know about the cultural complexities in the world, and that means learning about religious beliefs that might not align with your own," said Finley Hotaling '28.

The Dumbach Scholars Program enhances the curriculum for Loyola's most gifted and motivated students through small group Socratic discussions of humanities and arts topics. Applications for the Dumbach Scholars Honors Program are due Wednesday, December 3! For more information, click here.