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. Chartered by the Illinois General Assembly in 1844, it has the longest continuous academic charter in the state of Illinois.[citation needed] 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.
