University of Saint Mary of the Lake

The University of Saint Mary of the Lake (USML) is a private Roman Catholic seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. It is the principal seminary and school of theology for the formation of priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago in Illinois. It was chartered by the Illinois General Assembly in 1844. USML is often referred to by the name of its graduate program, Mundelein Seminary. Its compound name is University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. In addition to the seminary, USML offers the Lay Formation Program, Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral, Diaconate Formation Program, and the Liturgical Institute. Chicago Studies, an academic journal for priests and others in parish ministry, is edited by the university and seminary faculty along with priests of the archdiocese. History Seminary program William Quarter, the first bishop of Chicago, oversaw the creation in 1844 and early development of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake to ordain more priests to serve the growing diocese. However, due to financial problems, the seminary was forced to close in 1866.