Mother of Mercy Chapel Enhancements Blessed
Bishop Earl Fernandes served as the main celebrant at a very special “Rite of Dedication” that took place August 13, blessing enhancements made to St. Charles Preparatory School’s Mother of Mercy Chapel. The ceremony marked 95 years to the day when the new chapel’s altar was consecrated, and the building was dedicated to “Our Lady of Mercy” in 1937.
The 10-month project was necessary to address the school’s significant enrollment growth. St. Charles began the school year with 678 students, the highest in its 101-year history. This transformative project was directed by architect William Heyer and the general contractor, CK Construction. The chapel will be used daily by students as a place of prayer and reflection, for weekly student masses, Adoration, confession, and penance services. It is also used for a number of alumni-related masses and gatherings.
“Jesus Christ, King of the Universe,” painted on the chapel’s apse in 1950s by German artist Rudolph Scheffler, had been the sole feature of the wall above a row of seven stained glass windows depicting the sacraments. That work is now surrounded by a colorful set of iconic figures, symbols, and images.
New sets of inspiring young male and female saints line the space above the northern and southern arcades beneath newly added Marian quotations.
The dedication of the chapel’s new hand-carved wooden main altar was a central feature of the liturgy. The “Prayer of Dedication and the Anointings” included a blessing and sprinkling of water, an anointing with oil and incense, and the lighting of the altar’s candles.
Other artistic additions include new marble steps around the back altar and tabernacle and beautified side shrines to Mary and St Joseph. The Stations of the Cross, originally in simple metal settings, now boast impressive wooden frames. A reredos with a limestone and mosaic depiction of the virtues of “Our Mother of Mercy,” religious imagery, and a crucifix, will be arriving from overseas in the coming weeks to secure behind and above the tabernacle.
In addition to increasing its seating capacity, the choir loft was expanded. The building’s mechanical systems were overhauled; its sound and lighting systems were upgraded to significantly brighten the space and improve its acoustics. Overall, it created a much more pleasing ambience.
A vaulted barrel ceiling was added to the connecting hallway and stairs between the Main Building and the chapel’s front doors. A beautiful new brick and limestone entryway with wooden doors now adorns the exterior of that hallway’s northern exterior entryway. “Hail Queen, Mother of Mercy,” is engraved in Latin over the doorway.
Bishop Fernades was assisted throughout the liturgy by deacons, alumni seminarians and priests, and Knights of the Chair (St. Charles students who assist the Bishop at Masses and liturgies, mainly at St. Joseph Cathedral and St. Charles).
Bishop Fernades was assisted throughout the liturgy by deacons, alumni seminarians and priests, and Knights of the Chair (St. Charles students who assist the Bishop at Masses and liturgies, mainly at St. Joseph Cathedral and St. Charles).
"What's happening at St. Charles" news photos by Anna Lincoln Photography, Brian Gluys of 222 Photography, and Louis J. Fabro '83.
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St. Charles Preparatory School will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin in the hiring of its certified or non-certified personnel.
St. Charles Preparatory School will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin in the hiring of its certified or non-certified personnel.
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