Saint Gertrude High School Chapel

The Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, completing the new Saint Gertrude High School, is intended to uplift the students, drawing inspiration from the previous chapel and the school’s heritage while also introducing new elements of beauty into the design and ornamentation. To achieve these lofty goals, the design focuses on three things: creating visual hierarchy, employing precious materials from expert craftsmen, and layering symbolism throughout the chapel. 

The altar is the most significant element in the chapel. Concentrating details about the central axis of the space and setting three golden niches into the far wall, draws one’s eyes to the altars. The leading lines of the wall paneling and the barrel vault further accentuate this focus [as will a tester to be hung directly above the altar of sacrifice].

Above, light glints off every surface. Venetian plaster adorns the ceiling and upper register of the walls. Gold leaf shimmers on the trim and on the raised floral patterns in the sanctuary niches. Below, marble slabs wind into intricate patterns and shapes.

Permeating these materials and surfaces are layers of symbolism, represented through colors, numbers, and shapes. The sacred geometries in the central aisle link the chapel to the medieval churches of Rome and the Benedictine Abby of Montecassino, but also to deeper realities like the call to evangelization.  Alongside those patterns, mosaic bands bear the Star of David motif, a reference to the Jewish connection with Christianity. Twelve circles in the side aisles represent the Twelve Apostles and their position, flanking the pews point to the communion of saints. Unifying the space are colors and imagery relating to the patroness of the chapel, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the story of her appearance to the people of the Americas: the blue color on the ceiling comes directly from her cloak and floral patterns in the panels call to mind the miracle of the roses.   Many more references are imbedded throughout the chapel waiting to be discovered and contemplated. The finished chapel will be a space where one cannot help but encounter beauty: a beauty comprised of rich symbolism and ornament which reinforce the intent of the Saint Gertrude High School Chapel.