Portfolio: Chapel of the North American Martyrs

The Chapel of the North American Martyrs is designed for the campus of Thomas More College in New England which also has a campus in Rome, Italy. The quadrangle on which the chapel fronts is both a type of New England green and a type of academic cloister. The chapel design grows out of the rich tradition of the Eternal City, referencing both the basilica type as exemplified by Santa Maria in Trastevere (Rome) as well as examples from the Italian Renaissance. In addition, the chapel reflects the rich American architectural heritage, in particular the interpretation of Classical models by New England churches.

The chapel is entered up a flight of steps with a monumental Ionic portico into a small narthex. The interior is characteristic of the Early Christian basilica with a nave, two aisles and an apse. Wood Ionic columns march towards the sanctuary with its polychromed altar and baldacchino. A wall safe tabernacle in the tradition of San Clemente and Florentine Renaissance is placed behind the altar, with seating for clergy and acolytes on either side. The ambo is placed in the middle of the nave, attached to one of the central columns, to give emphasis to the Word of God and to preaching. The painted apse has an image of Christ and his mother enthroned and surrounded by the North American Martyrs who brought faith to the region. A frieze of images reflecting the life of St. Thomas More, patron of the college, is also placed within the apse. Shrines to Mary Magdalene and the Virgin are located to either side of the sanctuary at the end of the aisles. The chapel seats approximately 275 people, with a small choir loft, and an Aula Magna in the undercroft for lectures, exhibitions and dramatic works.