Holy Name Chapel Prepares for a Once-in-Two-Centuries Renovation
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For the first time since it was originally constructed in 1901, the Chapel of the Holy Name of Jesus is about to be renovated. The small chapel, located in the administration wing of the main school building, will undergo a multifaceted restoration and preservation beginning this summer.
Originally built as the student chapel at the College of the Immaculate Conception on Baronne Street, the small chapel was moved to its current location in 1925-26. The stained glass windows and dome, altar, and pews of the chapel were relocated and reconstructed on site to serve as the Jesuit community’s domestic chapel.
Now the Holy Name chapel serves Jesuit’s students, faculty and staff, alumni, and families as the spiritual heart of the school. While the Chapel of the North American Martyrs, or the large chapel, continues to be used for monthly Masses and services on holy days of obligation, the small chapel plays an integral part in the worship life of the Jesuit High School community.
Students use the spiritual oasis for daily Mass, weekly adoration of the blessed sacrament, personal prayer and reflection throughout the school day, and team and class Masses. Many Jesuit mothers meet weekly for the Mothers’ Rosary Group. Alumni classes also hold reunion Masses in the small chapel.
A Legacy in Need of Preservation
The chapel has been in its current location for 88 years, decades that have exacted a toll on not only the infrastructure, but also the magnificent stained glass windows, the majestic skylight dome, the extraordinary paintings, and the handmade Cypress pews.
The features of the chapel now stand in need of restoration and preservation in order to serve Jesuit’s mission of faith formation for another century. Much needed restoration and painting will help protect the chapel against future damage. Improved lighting will enhance the overall effect of this beautiful chapel.
As part of a continuing enhancement of its facilities, Jesuit will begin a “100-year renovation” of the Holy Name Chapel in summer 2014.
You have the opportunity to participate in this project that will ensure the chapel’s reverence, beauty, and dignity into the next century. Donations of any amount are welcomed to this worthy project, and a number of naming opportunities for the hallmark features of the chapel are available. Learn more or donate now.
For more information, please contact Tom Bagwill at (504) 483-3841 or bagwill@jesuitnola.org.
Videos
Repairing and Restoring the Stained Glass Windows of Holy Name Chapel
Pearl River Glass will lead the restoration and preservation of the stained glass windows and dome of the Holy Name of Jesus Chapel at Jesuit High School.
Galleries
Small Chapel Renovation, Before
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The stained glass dome in the chapel is in need of structural enhancement and cleaning. -
The stained glass of the dome immediately captures the eye and the imagination. But over the years, the windows have developed cracks and even breakage. -
Wrought with the time-honored craftsmanship of the artists of Meyer of Munich, Germany, in the late 19th century, the glass shows the full scope of this demanding and impressive art. -
The composition reflects both careful symmetry and ordered design. -
Much needed restoration will help protect the chapel against future damage. -
The portraiture in the windows shows a command of detail remarkable in stained glass. -
An example of some of the damaged and missing stained glass. -
Several original paintings in the chapel are in dire need to restoration and preservation. -
The paintings have become discolored and require restoration. -
The ceiling and walls, which have experienced moisture damage over the years, will be restored and painted.
