St. Rose of Viterbo Convent & Mary of the Angels Chapel

A Hidden Gem of Sacred Art, History, and Spiritual Devotion in La Crosse

Set within a quiet neighborhood of La Crosse, the St. Rose of Viterbo Convent and the adjoining Mary of the Angels Chapel form one of the most spiritually significant and visually stunning landmarks in the region. Home to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) since the late 1800s, this sacred space combines history, art, and ongoing religious life in a setting that continues to inspire awe and reverence. With its resplendent architecture, intricate craftsmanship, and open-hearted mission, this site is as much a sanctuary for the spirit as it is a cultural treasure. Even in an era shaped by digital transformation and advanced IT services, the convent and chapel offer an enduring reminder of the power of stillness, devotion, and beauty to anchor a community.

The Heart of the Franciscan Sisters’ Legacy

Founded in 1871, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have called the St. Rose of Viterbo Convent their motherhouse for over 150 years. From this base, the order has launched educational institutions, healthcare missions, and community outreach programs throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

At the core of their spiritual life is perpetual adoration—a continuous prayer vigil before the Blessed Sacrament that began in 1878 and continued 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for over 140 years. This tradition exemplifies the sisters’ deep commitment to prayer, peace, and service. While the 24/7 vigil has evolved in recent years, the spiritual energy remains embedded in the walls of the convent and chapel.

Mary of the Angels Chapel: La Crosse’s Sistine Chapel

If the convent grounds are the heart of the FSPA community, then Mary of the Angels Chapel is its soul. Completed in 1906, this breathtaking place of worship was built as a private chapel for the sisters and stands today as one of the most remarkable examples of sacred architecture in the Midwest.

Visitors who step through its doors are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of transcendent beauty. The chapel's interior is a symphony of marble columns, gold-leaf accents, hand-carved wood, and detailed frescoes. The ceiling murals—painted by Italian artist Thaddeus von Zukotynski—illustrate the life of St. Francis of Assisi and the glories of heaven in radiant color and detail. Every corner of the space was designed to uplift the spirit and focus the mind on higher things.

The altar, crafted from Italian Carrara marble, glows beneath intricate stained glass windows that flood the space with colored light. Behind the sanctuary, an elegant set of choir stalls seats the sisters during prayer. From the mosaic flooring to the celestial ceiling, every inch of this space reflects intentional craftsmanship and devotion.

Still a Living, Breathing Community

What makes this site even more meaningful is that it’s not just a museum—it’s a living religious community. The convent remains active with resident sisters, lay affiliates, and visiting guests. While daily life has evolved, the spirit of service and contemplation that defined the FSPA’s founding mission is still very much alive here.

The public is welcome to visit the chapel and take guided tours of the space. These tours offer insight into both the architectural splendor and the ongoing spiritual practices of the sisters. Docents often include stories of the convent’s founding, its role in La Crosse history, and how the sisters continue to serve the greater good today.

How to Visit

St. Rose of Viterbo Convent and Mary of the Angels Chapel are located at 901 Franciscan Way in La Crosse. Free guided tours of the chapel are offered regularly and can be scheduled in advance. Walk-in visits are possible at designated times, though the schedule may vary depending on religious activities and private events.

There is ample parking on the grounds, and visitors are encouraged to enter with quiet respect for the sisters who live and worship here. Photography is allowed in most areas of the chapel, though flash and noise should be minimized to preserve the peaceful environment.

The grounds also include a heritage room with historical displays, a peaceful garden space, and gift shop items that support the FSPA’s mission and ministries.

A Site for Pilgrimage and Peace

Whether you're drawn by faith, history, architecture, or sheer curiosity, a visit to St. Rose of Viterbo Convent and Mary of the Angels Chapel leaves a lasting impression. It's a space that transcends religious boundaries, offering serenity, beauty, and connection to something greater than oneself.

In a city known for its riverfront views and natural beauty, this sacred landmark offers a different kind of perspective—one that looks inward, uplifts the soul, and invites visitors to pause. It’s a powerful reminder that devotion, artistry, and quiet strength still shape lives and communities in profound ways.

For locals, it’s a point of pride. For travelers, it’s a highlight worth planning around. And for all who enter, it’s an unforgettable experience of spiritual and historical depth in the heart of La Crosse.

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