A hospital chapel for prayer, reflection and healing in Wichita
The Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas, offers a peaceful space for prayer, reflection and spiritual support. Located inside the hospital, the chapel welcomes patients, families and visitors of all faiths.
Whether you’re seeking a moment of quiet, spiritual comfort or time for prayer, our chapel is here to support your well-being — body, mind and spirit.
Chapel services and spiritual support
Our spiritual care team is here to listen and support you during your stay. We provide compassionate care that respects your beliefs, values and traditions.
Chapel services may include:
- Personal prayer and spiritual support
- Visits from chaplains or clergy
- Support during times of illness or recovery
- End-of-life spiritual care
If you would like to speak with a chaplain, please ask a member of your care team.
Chapel location and hours
The Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother is located within Ascension Via Christi St. Francis hospital in Wichita on the hospital’s mezzanine. We are open daily for patients, families and visitors 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All are welcome to Holy Mass, which takes places on the following days and times:
- Monday through Friday at 12 p.m.
- Saturday at 4 p.m.
- Sunday at 8 a.m.
Chapel history
Located within Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, the Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother has served as a place of worship and reflection since 1947. The chapel is somewhat hidden in the center of the hospital, though if you follow the signs, you can be transported back to a time where churches were built with thoughtful, purposeful materials, style and design. Built in the style common in Italy in the 11th century, the chapel stands in sharp contrast to the modern buildings around it.
The Shrine of the Sorrowful Mother is located near the entrance of the chapel and features a pictorial representation of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, to whom the chapel is dedicated.
Along each side wall of the chapel are the Station of the Cross, depicting 14 scenes of Jesus’ suffering from the Last Supper through the Crucifixion.
The high altar is constructed of domestic and foreign marble, richly adorned with carved ornaments, mosaics and sculptures. The white Italian marble figures that rise above the altar depict the crucified Jesus, His mother, Mary, and John, the beloved disciple.
The mosaic mural known as the “Sacred Heart of Jesus” covers the sanctuary’s domed ceiling. Made in Italy, this glass and marble mural was a gift of the hospital’s medical staff in 1965. (Image 9806)
With about 9,300 square feet, the chapel holds 50 pews, enough to seat 500 people. A choir loft contains a pipe organ and more pews. The chapel bell was moved from the previous chapel, where it had been in use for 41 years.
The chapel was called the “pride of the Order” of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, a Rome-based order which had taken over the operations of St. Francis 58 years earlier.