A small chapel tucked into the corner of Holy Spirit Church on Lexington Road is intended to offer a quiet respite for those seeking peace and healing.
Holy Spirit’s Healing Chapel — which was dedicated last month — is a prayer space set aside to “offer spiritual solace” to those suffering significant health challenges and their caregivers, said Father Frederick Klotter, pastor of Holy Spirit.
“Our intent is to bring a sense of hope and a sense of comfort,” he said. “Hopefully this prayer space addresses the spiritual emptiness that often happens when sickness comes so that individuals and families may feel less adrift.”
The chapel is situated at the far end of the interior colonnade, at the southeast corner of the building near Lexington Road. It is an intimate space with two small pews. Votive candles are available to light. And wood paneling on the walls mirrors that in the sanctuary.
The focal point of the chapel is a painting depicting the crucifixion scene. Surrounding it are nine icon-like paintings of saints dedicated to particular illnesses and causes. Parishioner Joy O’Bryan created each of the original oil paintings.
There are also two stained-glass windows on either side of the central painting: one depicting the medical symbol of a staff intertwined with two serpents and another showing a stethoscope with a heart rhythm in the background.
The nine saints depicted in the paintings are:
St. Agatha of Sicily — patron of breast cancer and rape victims
St. Catherine of Siena — patron of miscarriages
St. Damien of Molokai — patron of leprosy and skin diseases
St. Dymphna — patron of mental illness, neurological disorders and incest
St. James the Greater, Apostle — patron of arthritis and joint diseases
St. Lucy of Syracuse — patron of eye diseases and vision loss
St. Maxmillian Kolbe — patron of drug addiction
St. Peregrine Laziosi — patron of cancer and AIDS
St. Raphael the Archangel — patron of all healing
All are welcome to visit the chapel. It will be open seven days a week from about 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Daily Mass is offered in the main sanctuary at 8:15 a.m.
