Our Lady of Mercy Chapel
Stained glass windows made by the renowned American artist John La Farge and acquired by Salve Regina in 2004 will be incorporated into Our Lady of Mercy Chapel.
Our Lady of Mercy Chapel
The long-awaited Our Lady of Mercy Chapel will be a sacred space that supports the vision as well as the physical needs of the university community. A freestanding, central structure whose architecture will reflect and complement the historic campus, the chapel will be both capstone to the inspired stewardship of one of the great historic neighborhoods of the United States and an emblem of the mission and history of an unwavering institutional commitment to Mercy traditions and principles.
Situated in close proximity to McAuley Hall, named in honor of Mother Catherine McAuley, the founder of the order, Our Lady of Mercy Chapel will acknowledge the motivating philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy and their unflagging commitment to establishing Salve Regina on a foundation of faith, learning, compassion and service. The doors of the chapel will open onto pathways that converge from all parts of the campus, proclaiming its central role in the life of the university.
The chapel will fulfill the need for a sacred space, carefully planned for the specific requirements of liturgical use. There will be room to express the three main liturgical components in the altar, the ambo and the baptismal font, and accommodation for the music ministry. The building will be handicapped-accessible.
Across the narthex from the dedicated Roman Catholic chapel, a graceful interfaith alcove, radiant with stained glass, will welcome those of every belief who seek silence, reflection, prayer and spiritual comfort.
The building itself, by renowned American architect and friend of the university, Robert A.M. Stern '05 (Hon.), has been designed to complement the historic campus surrounding it. Built of a stone and shingle exterior, its natural textures, turreted roof, porch and gentle volumes will reference the rural resort architecture of the later 19th century. The Mercy Center for Spiritual Life will be situated on the lower level.
Our Lady of Mercy Chapel will replace 60 years of make-do arrangements for the spiritual life of Salve Regina. At the same time, it will celebrate and sanctify those 60 years of commitment to Mercy ideals and the Sisters of Mercy who built and nurtured the university. Welcoming all members of the community, Our Lady of Mercy Chapel and center for spiritual life will embody the principles of Salve Regina, past, present and future.
For more information about supporting the construction of Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, contact Katherine Horoschak, director of major gifts and planned giving, at (401) 341-2438 or katherine.horoschak@salve.edu.
