Queen of Angels Priory is a women’s Benedictine monastery located in Mt. Angel, Oregon. The priory is notable for its historic architecture and recently renovated chapel.
The monastery underwent significant renovation in 1998, with architect J. David Richen designing a newly constructed chapel for the 123-year-old facility. The modern chapel features expansive windows that flood the interior with natural light while maintaining connection to the monastery’s heritage.
The new chapel preserves important elements from the original structure, most notably the historic rose window saved from the old chapel. This rose window was incorporated into the new sanctuary design and also appears in the tabernacle’s decorative pattern, symbolizing continuity between the old and new spaces.
The chapel includes several liturgical elements: an ornate altar, ambo, and presider’s chair; a monastery organ located above the chapel entrance; an alcove containing the Book on an enthronement stand, positioned in what was formerly the academy entrance; a sanctuary lamp and tabernacle; and an ambry housing the three Holy Oils. The building design emphasizes natural light and visual connection to the surrounding landscape through its generous window placement.
