Lucille M. Francesco Chair of Sacred Music Organ Fund
Sacred Music in Seminary Life
For generations, sacred music has lifted hearts, shaped faith, and deepened prayer. At the center of this tradition stands the organ—an instrument uniquely capable of expressing theological depth and glorifying God through sound.
The endowed chair was established in 2018 by Dr. Jerry Francesco, in honor of his late wife Lucille, to honor her outstanding witness as patroness of the arts and beloved benefactor of the seminary. Her legacy lives on through the formation of future clergy and lay church leaders who are shaped by beauty, reverence, and theological depth.
Today, we invite you to help carry that legacy forward.
A New Organ for Formation and Worship
To fully realize the mission of the Chair of Sacred Music, the seminary needs an organ that can serve both liturgical worship and academic formation. This organ will support daily worship, solemn liturgies, and musical instruction, forming future clergy and church musicians in reverence, excellence, and beauty.
The proposed organ will be a distinctive and versatile instrument, thoughtfully designed to serve both liturgical worship and musical formation at the seminary. It will feature a new, state‑of‑the‑art three‑division, low‑profile French‑style movable console with dolly, finished in white and walnut, and crafted from high‑quality hardwood to complement the existing space.
The casework and detailing will harmonize with the Immaculate Conception Chapel, including the seminary motto, Exiit qui Seminat, integrated into the woodwork. The instrument will comprise more than 1,400 pipes, including select historic pipes from Wynnewood (Overbrook), alongside a new façade with full‑length 16′ pedal pipes, creating an organ that is both richly rooted in tradition and fully equipped for future generations.
Join Us in Supporting this Mission
We invite you to partner with us in this meaningful endeavor. Your donation towards this new organ is an investment in the future of sacred music.
Through your contribution, you help ensure that her love for faith and music continues to inspire worship and learning. Together, we can give voice to prayer, honor a cherished memory, and enrich the life of the Church.
Please consider making a gift today.