J.M.J.
The Chapel of Our Lady of The Blessed Sacrament
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, on the north of the Cathedral (Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia), can be entered from the Cathedral proper or from The Chapel’s main entrance on 18th Street. It is better known as either The Chapel or The Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The Chapel was planned as a memorial of the Marian Year and was dedicated on the Feast of the Maternity of Our Lady in 1955. The completion of The Chapel made it possible to close the Cathedral for renovations in 1956-1957. John McShain, Inc., of Philadelphia was the builder and Eggers and Higgins, Inc., of New York City were the architects.
The Chapel is Roman Classic architecture; the façade is dressed brownstone. The interior is noted for its simplicity. The altar is of Verde Antique marble. The reredos was replaced with marble in 2009 by Cardinal Justin Rigali. The tester or canopy is of matched grain walnut with hand-carved filigree, finished with gilt. The stained-glass window over the side entrance is Mary Queen of the Universe. The remaining side windows picture the Seven Joys of Our Lady: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Adoration of the Magi, Jesus in the Temple, The Resurrection, and The Assumption. The circular window over the main entrance shows the Blessed Mother looking down on the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance.
No comments:
Post a Comment