UNUSUAL FEATURES AND DESIGN CHALLENGES

Another highlight of this particular chapel was the stained glass windows (See Photo F). It is understood that there were six Irish priests who immigrated and they each provided a virtue or a craft that was necessary. Collectively, these six individual skilled professions helped to build the grounds as they appear today. Each of the six priests were portrayed in a window to show each of their talents and skills. One of the friars was an architect, one was a builder, one helped with the spirituality and prayer, while another was a teacher or professor and so on. The other stained glass windows portrayed beautiful scenes of nature and the surrounding areas and complemented it. Each of these windows were highlighted by a surround glass that was imported just for this use. This glass complemented the outside surroundings which was a key component in designing the windows (See Photo G).

The pews and seating were hand-carved benches to accommodate the elderly priests as well as designed in such a way for their Vespers and night prayer. Other key items of the chapel were the mosaic, Our Lady Help of the Sick, as well as the Risen Christ that was duplicated from the Cathedral of SS. Cosmos and Damian in Rome, Italy. The mosaic Stations, which were hand-crafted piece by piece, were an excellent complement to this already beautiful chapel (See Photo I).

Lastly, was the beautiful tabernacle pedestal with mosaic background, as well as the free-standing marble altar and wooden mosaic pulpit. All of these items were handcrafted by our workmen and our craftspeople (See Photo J).