Felt Estate celebrates election of Pope Leo XIV

The Felt Estate Celebrates the Election of Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pope

Laketown Township, MI — [May 8, 2025] — The Felt Estate, a historic landmark and cultural destination in West Michigan, joins the global community in celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, as the 267th pope and the first American-born pontiff in history.

As a site with deep historical ties to faith and community, the Felt Estate recognizes this historic moment as one of profound significance—not only for the Catholic Church but also for people in West Michigan and around the world who believe in the values of service, unity, and stewardship.

“We are proud to steward the historic buildings and landscapes of Pope Leo XIV’s formative years,” said Elizabeth McEwen, Executive Director of the Felt Estate. “His life of service, his commitment to social justice, and his unique connection to both American and global communities reflect values that we seek to honor through the preservation of the Felt Mansion and the programs we offer.”

The Felt Estate, once home to the Augustinian Order seminary, shares a historic link to the Augustinian tradition from which Pope Leo XIV comes. His election invites reflection on the importance of dialogue, cultural connection, and caring for one another across boundaries.

For more information on tours and events, visit www.feltmansion.org or follow the Felt Estate on social media.

Seminary School Context

According to the twenty-fifth anniversary publication of the order of the Augustinians (covering 1941-1966), the property was sold to the order on August 15th, 1949, and extensive remodeling was completed in record time for the opening of the school term in September.

The third-floor ballroom became the student dormitory. The second-floor bedrooms were converted to faculty living quarters. The first floor was used for the chapel and dining facilities. It is noted that the rich interior of the Felt parlor added to the beauty of the chapel with its highly polished mahogany wall paneling.

The school opened with the feast of St. Thomas of Villanova on Sept. 22nd, 1949, to an inaugural class of 43 students from throughout the Midwest. The first public Mass was also held on that date, with Rev. Francis J Haas, bishop of Grand Rapids, presiding. The diocesan priests, Father Charles Nugent (former pastor of St. Peter’s church in Douglas) and Father John Westdorp (pastor of St. Francis de Sales church in Holland), both gave in abundance their time, talents, and substance to make the opening date possible.

By 1965, registration had soared to 180 students. As the Vietnam War ended in the mid-70s, enrollment was less than 70 students (Pope Leo XIV graduated in 1973), and the property was sold to the State of Michigan in 1978.

Life at the Seminary

The faculty and students set about learning the mysteries of nature in a practical way; they harvested the apples from the orchards, filled the fruit storage cellars to be used in the future, and had plenty to sell at the local fruit exchange. Then in the spring they collected the sap from the Maple trees, processed it into syrup, and prepared it for market. This work on the part of faculty and students was not just a pursuit of knowledge but an economic necessity. Between the apple harvest and the spring sap run, they learned to endure the rigors of winter with its abundant snowfall. Seminary life revolved around the daily schedule of prayer, school, and work.

— From Beth McEwen, executive director of the Felt Estate.