Visitors from as far away as Canada and Europe filled the Chapel of the Holy Spirit on Sunday, September 27th, as Sacred Heart University formally blessed its new sanctuary. The Most Rev. William E. Lori, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport, presided at the Rite of Dedication.

The ancient liturgy, which lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours, began with a ceremonial greeting in the spacious narthex – or lobby – from University President Anthony J. Cernera to Bishop Lori. Dr. Cernera presented the Bishop, who is also the Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, with the architectural plans for the new Chapel, which seats 550 persons. Concelebrants, including the Most Rev. Basil Losten, Bishop Emeritus of the Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of Stamford, processed into the new Chapel accompanied by a 50-member student choir and the sounds of a new 2,000-pipe tracker organ and other musicians.

The ceremonies are rich with symbolism and included blessing water and sprinkling the walls and the congregation with holy water; anointing the altar and the interior walls with sacred oil, and incensing the altar and the people. Midway through the service, Bishop Lori offered this prayer: “Light of Christ, shine forth in the Church and bring all nations to the fullness of truth.” At that moment, all the lights in the new sanctuary were turned on, and the giant mosaics behind the altar were bathed in dazzling light.

Regular student use of the Chapel began that evening with the normal Sunday night Liturgy. Morning prayer and daily Mass will be offered in the smaller Chapel of the Nativity, and numerous special events are planned all year to celebrate this milestone moment for the Sacred Heart community. For further information, visit the Campus Ministry webpage or call 203-371-7840.  For a list of upcoming dedication year events, click here.

To read Bishop Lori’s Homily from the Dedication of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, click here.

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Watch a video of the Chapel Dedication

Watch photo slideshows from dedication week events:

First Ringing of the Bells

Chapel Dedication

Inaugural Student Mass

Mass of the Holy Spirit

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