ORLANDO | A true blessing for Holy Family Parish in Orlando in this Year of St. Joseph. The chapel is completely renovated to glorify the Lord. In a little more than a year new flooring, altar, ambo, pews, lighting and sound equipment were installed. There’s fresh paint inside and out, along with a Confessional for the Sacrament of Penance. The chapel’s original stained glass is refurbished.

Bishop John Noonan and Father John Giel, pastor, blessed the chapel on Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Drawing from God’s Word to the prophet Ezekiel, Bishop reflected, “This chapel is God’s dwelling place as He promised. May we also become His dwelling as we partake in the liturgies within this chapel to serve God and His people.”

Both priests then used palms to sprinkle the assembly as a sign of repentance and reminder of their Baptism and to purify the walls of the chapel. They incensed the altar to sanctify it. “This chapel is truly a place of prayer and I feel this community will find many blessings celebrating God’s love for them here,” said Father Giel. The chapel honors the Sacred Hearts of both Jesus and Our Blessed Mother.

“The re-opening of the chapel is a glorious occasion for Holy Family Parish,” added Scott Fergerson, Secretary for Ecclesiastical Properties for the Diocese. The crucifix is mounted on a beautiful stone wall and on each side of our Lord are bronze statues of St. Joseph and Our Lady.

There is also a new space for brides to pray before taking their vows. On the wall Scripture reminds the women, ‘We love because He loved us first’ (1 John 4:19). It’s exciting for parishioner Renè Weising who has attended the parish for more than 25 years and worked in marriage preparation ministry for nearly a decade. “I’m excited for couples to celebrate the Sacrament here and express, in a unique way, the unbreakable bond of love between Christ and His people.”

Bishop Noonan thanked the people of Holy Family for their generosity and commitment to this project. The chapel will also be home to daily Masses, small funerals, and Baptisms. As Deacon Rick Chabot shared, “It is a very spiritual, wonderful place to meet and enjoy God’s love.”

By Jennifer Drow of the Florida Catholic, January 21, 2021