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Our Lady Memorial Chapel
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shrub Oak, New York
For photos of the dedication
of the Chapel, click here.
In Honor of Our Deceased Children
The elegant chapel, built onto the rear of our church, is stunning
in its stark simplicity and engaging space for contemplation. It stands
as a tribute to deceased children of Seton and the local area, who,
along with their parents, relatives and friends, will always be in
parishioners’ hearts, prayers and remembrances. Dedicated on
March 31, 2002 by Auxiliary bishop of New York and Seton pastor, Bishop
James F. McCarthy, the sacred space adds a prayerful dimension to
our church, inviting those who wish to commune with God to be at ease
in God’s presence, surrounded by exceptional beauty.
 Mother
and Child
The visual centerpiece of the chapel is the life-size sculpture of
Our Lady, Heart of Believers, a Pieta’, resting on a sturdy
floor of black marble tiles. The body of the Crucified lies on a wide,
tomb-like slab, and his mother, with her back to the viewer, contemplates
her son in death. A veritable “wall” of burgundy marble
tiles, surrounding an inset, six foot, black marble cross, outlined
in gold leaf, serves as an magnificent, understated, backdrop. It
beautifully reflects the serene sculpture from different angles, as
well as the four colorful stained glass windows at the rear of the
chapel. This original masterpiece, carved from a single, ten-ton piece
of Carrara marble, over a period of two years, was the inspired work
of young sculptor and Seton parishioner, Eric Winogradoff. This gifted
artist conceived his Pieta’ in the depths of his own strong
Catholic faith, which had been carefully nourished throughout his
childhood in our parish and school. He then imbedded a tangible expression
of that faith into one piece of blazing white marble, and he did so
marvelously. How useless are mere words to describe its beauty! It
is heightened further by the eyes of faith, as thousands who have
seen it, and those who will see it in years to come, will surely testify.
The Icon
An original Russian icon of the Virgin and Child adorns the rear corner
of the chapel. An “eternal flame” vigil lamp burns nearby
to inspire and light our way of faith. It summons us to contemplate
the brevity of our lives, and to pray for the repose of the souls
of deceased children listed in the Book of Remembrance. Parents who
endure the loss of a child—no matter the age—are welcome
to inscribe the names of their loved ones.
The Windows
Spectacularly catching the noonday sun, four original stained glass
windows line the rear of the chapel. The colorful scenes depict key
moments in the life of Jesus’ mother, Mary: Handmaid, the Annunciation;
Intercessor, the Wedding Feast at Cana; Mother, the Foot of the Cross;
and Mother of the Church, Pentecost. It is especially noteworthy to
see in these windows of light, Mary evolve from a surprised, raven-haired
teenager, reacting to Gabriel’s greeting, to a peaceful, middle
aged woman, in the company of Jesus’ apostles, in these widows
of light.
The Eternal Flame
On September 11, 2003, a large congregation assembled to celebrate
the Eucharist in commemoration of the souls lost at New York’s
World Trade disaster. At the conclusion of mass, they processed from
the church into the chapel, led by another “eternal flame”
which had burned brightly at the Fogarty Marian shrine since September
11, 2002. We merged the two flames and paused to remember all those
who have entered Eternal Life.
The Vestibule
In the rear entrance of the chapel, there are prominently displayed
the names of Seton Parish benefactors under the titles of the Tree
of Life, the Building Campaign, 1979; the Parish Development Campaign,
1989-1992; and Our Lady Memorial Chapel, 2002. All of us at Seton
are eternally grateful to the many parishioners whose very generous
donations made the chapel a reality.
Pay Us a Visit
Please visit the shrine anytime the church is open to contemplate
the great love of the crucified Savior and his faithful mother, Mary.
The rosary is recited in common each day following the 9:00 AM mass.
Eucharistic Adoration is held from 12:00 to 3:00 PM weekdays, and
from 12:00 to 7:00 PM, on First Fridays. You may enter from the Church
through the doors next to the Papal flag, or through the Chapel main
entrance from the rear parking lot. You too will be moved deeply by
the riveting scene of Mother and Child. You too will rejoice at the
gift of infinite love that flows from His sacrifice, and hers. So
moved, you too will take in the company of Mary, the Heart of Believers,
and truly make a difference in life—and that difference is love!
Our Lady, Help of Believers, pray for us!
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Slideshow courtesy of Jim
Casey. |
