Portfolio: Holy Family Chapel

This chapel is in a new residence in the rolling hills of Nebraska. Inspired by the simple rationality of the Florentine Renaissance, the room is configured with a vaulted nave and a domical sanctuary. Dedicated to the Holy Family in order to emphasize its example for families today and to reinforce the importance of the domestic Church. Arcaded walls in the nave support the triumphal arch of the sanctuary and focus attention on the marble high altar. Corinthian columns and pediment surround a bronze crucifix by Roberto Santo and the bronze tempietto tabernacle unites the real action of the altar with the real presence of the reservation. Roundels in the pendentives of the dome enframe the four evangelists, and natural light from the circular oculus above creates an aura of holy mystery. Side chapels in the front and rear of the chapel are dedicated to Our Lady, the Archangel Michael, St. Joseph and St. Francis of Assisi. All of these sculptures, along with the candelabra were sculpted by Roberto Santo of Pietrasanta, Italy.

The materials of the chapel are, for the most part, white plaster with stained mahogany woodwork and white marble elements in the sanctuary. The floor of the nave is a brown marble with white edges, while the sanctuary floor is a pattern of black and white marbles. The chapel creates a holy place within a house to which many friends and extended family members will be invited. It will be used for prayer as well as special liturgies.