The Courtyard of Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary

he courtyard of Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary is modeled after the Palais de Justice in Rouen, France, (made infamous in 1431 as the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake). Like the exterior, the courtyard has statues and reliefs that reflect the history of the Archdiocese and the building itself. The five statues which stand in niches on the east wall were placed there specifically to inspire the seminarians by the lives of these saints. They are St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles and the first Pope, St. John Vianney, Patron of Parish Priests, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Patron of Youth, St. Tarcisius, Patron of Altar Boys, and St. Casimir, Patron of Catholic Leaders. Above the statues on the spired upper windows are three bas reliefs: an Angel with the banner, "Erected to the Glory of God," the Papal Coat of Arms, and an Angel with the banner "May His Name Be Praised Forever."

The courtyard offers the best view of the base of the Chapel Spire on the South Wing. St. James Chapel originally had a copper spire that towered over the seminary. It was damaged during a windstorm in 1941 and dismantled.

Eight seals run south to north along the west wall of the courtyard. The first three are the Seals of the Chicago Histroical Society, the Catholic Universities of America, and the Rosary Guild. The next four are unknown. The final seal is of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein.