NEWPORT — Radiant sunlight illuminated sparkling opalescent glass windows last Sunday as joyful Sisters of Mercy and members of the Salve Regina University community gathered for the consecration of the new Our Lady of Mercy Chapel and Spiritual Life Center.
For the past 63 years the sisters have dreamed of and prayed for a new chapel that would serve the spiritual needs of a vibrant faith community and become the center of Catholic life on campus.
Those prayers were answered last Sunday when Bishop Thomas J. Tobin presided over the consecration of the new chapel, dedicated to the many faithful sisters whose commitment and foresight has elevated Salve Regina to a place of international prominence as a respected Catholic university. “Our founders were strong, pioneering women and they had a vision,” said Mercy Sister M. Therese Antone, university chancellor, adding that the early sisters would be pleased but not be surprised that the university undertook the important construction project.
Bishop Tobin was the main celebrant of the consecration liturgy. Father Kris von Maluski, the university’s Catholic chaplain and Father George B. McCarthy, pastor of St. Mary Church, Newport served as concelebrants, while Father Michael Najim served as master of ceremonies.
The historic event began with a procession from McAuley Hall, led by Bishop Tobin, Sister Antone and Mercy Sister Jane Gerety, university president.
Bishop Tobin was presented with the symbolic Book of Workers, the university mission statement, Mercy cross and the official key to the chapel, before calling upon Sister Antone to open the chapel door.
The Mercy Cross symbolizes the long history of the Sisters of Mercy who were founded in Ireland almost two centuries ago to care for and educate the poor. Since the religious order’s inception, the Sisters of Mercy have maintained a strong presence throughout the world and continue to serve in education, health care, pastoral ministry and social services. The Mercy Cross unites all endeavors of the Sisters of Mercy.
The Book of Workers contains the names of the dedicated, skilled craftsmen and women who built the chapel, and the many benefactors whose generosity made the dream of a campus chapel become a reality.
In his homily, Bishop Tobin noted that the new chapel and spiritual life center is “the heart and soul of Salve Regina University.
“This is a house of prayer, a home in which God’s people come to be nourished in word and sacrament, Bishop Tobin told the congregation. “This is the house of God and the gate of heaven.”
Commenting on the chapel’s dedication, the bishop reminded worshippers to always honor the Blessed Mother.
“If you look to Mary, she will lead you home to Christ,” he said.
Father von Muluski simply replied “Amen” when asked to share his thoughts on the new house of worship.
“The new chapel’s design is very intimate - perfect for Mass,” he said, adding that the ideal setting fosters greater participation in the celebration of the sacraments.
The 11,500 square-foot chapel accommodates 250 worshippers and was designed by Robert A.M. Stern, dean of the Yale University School of Architecture. The facility was constructed by Farrar and Associates, Inc, under the leadership of James Farrar.
The exterior of the building complements the historic campus, and was constructed with stone and shingles. Multiple walkways lead toward several entrances to the facility.
“This conveys the message that everyone is welcome to come in and worship, meditate and participate,” Sister Antone said. “The doors open onto pathways that converge from all parts of campus, symbolically welcoming all people.”
The building also houses an interfaith prayer room on the main level. Campus ministry offices, and a spacious area for fellowship and activities are located on the basement level.
One of the architectural highlights of the new facility are the 13 stained glass windows, once housed in the chapel of the former St. Patrick Convent in Fall River, Mass. The windows, created by noted artisan John La Farge in the late 19th century, include colorful images of the Madonna, St. John the Evangelist and St. Elizabeth of Hungary.
“They make it a very quiet, peaceful place where people can pray,” observed Mercy Sister Patricia Combies, a senior lecturer in the English department.
Intricate woodwork, also obtained from the former Fall River convent, is featured behind the altar in the main chapel.
Sister Gererty, noting that the new house of worship is “elegant in its simplicity,” added that the chapel is now “the most important building on campus.”
