The Salvatorian Motherhouse Chapel in Rome has been renovated
One aspect leading up to to the Beatification of Fr Francis Jordan was the transfer of his mortal remains to the main chapel of the Salvatorian Motherhouse in Rome. The work over more than six months, included remodeling and renovation of the chapel in which the community celebrates the Eucharist every day. Fr Marko Ivan Rupnik was key to the remodeling. He has made a name for himself as a mosaist and painter of numerous churches, such as the Redemptoris Mater chapel in the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, the church of San Giovanni Rotondo in Italy, the shrines of Fatima and Lourdes, and the cathedral of La Almudena in Madrid.
The main paintings in the chapel of the Motherhouse depict in the apse "the baptism of the Lord", where God the Father indicates that "This is my beloved Son, listen to him". A second painting, at the back of the chapel, depicts the scene of the Ascension and Pentecost, where the apostles are sent to announce the Good News to all people. The central figure is the Virgin Mary, who symbolises the Mother who stands for the Church whose head is Christ and participates in the mission of the Saviour. Like the apostles, the Salvatorians are also called to participate in the mission of the Saviour, listening to him closely and feeling sent to all peoples to proclaim salvation.
In the centre of the chapel is a simple but solid tombstone with the relics of Fr Francis Jordan, to which hundreds of people are expected to pray for his intercession.
The new space was opened on 13 May 2021, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. Presided over by the Salvatorian Superior General, Fr Milton Zonta, the Motherhouse community then celebrated the first Mass in the new spiritual space. It will lead many to pray for the strengthening of, and active participation in the mission of the Saviour.
Below are a selection of images of the new chapel.
