Studio io Design recently unveiled a project they were involved in which saw the repurposing of a former dining hall as a chapel at Our Lady's Healing Center in Seadrift, Texas. The project in question shows how a great deal can be accomplished with only a very little and this is particularly pertinent in an period of time when creative solutions are being sought for non-parish church settings for the usus antiquior and the like.
Studio io was responsible for the overall design of the chapel, which includes a brand new altar, reredos, altar rails, and 'shrines' for Our Lady and St. Joseph. Little Way Construction were in turn responsible for the actual execution of the design. They recount the project as follows:
It was a great honor ... to attend the dedication of the altar that we had the privilege to build for Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel in Seadrift, Texas along with the matching ambo, presider's chair, shrines, and altar rail. This was one of the most solemn and beautiful liturgical ceremonies I have ever attended. The altar which stands for the sign of Christ himself was anointed by Bishop Brendan Cahill with sacred chrism oil spread all over the top, followed by an incensation, and finalized with the covering and lighting of the altar. A relic of a saint was also deposited inside the altar. We then celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. .. Our thanks to the visionaries and founders of Our Lady's Healing Center, Ralph and Linda Schmidt for allowing us to be part of this amazing project along with the visionaries for the beautiful design of the chapel, Michael Raia, Michael Tamera, and Ryan Pigg of Studio io.
The chapel also has future phases of decorative painting planned, including murals currently underway by New Jerusalem Studios.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Here are some photos taken from the consecration of the new chapel by Bishop Thomas Cahill, bishop fo the Diocese of Victoria, Texas.
Congratulations go out to the Center, Studio io and Little Way Construction for this well executed design turned into reality.
-------
Do you like Liturgical Arts Journal's original content? You can help support LAJ in its mission and vision to promote beauty in Catholic worship either by:
You choose the amount! Your support makes all the difference.
