Members of the Barry University family gathered October 29 on the Barry School of Law campus in Orlando for the blessing of the new St. Rose of Lima Chapel in the Andreas Law Center.
The Chapel, which has been a longtime dream for the law school, is “a sacred space for prayer, meditation and quiet reflection,” said Sister Patricia Siemen, OP, JD, Coordinator of Mission and Institutional Effectiveness, who was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.
Presiding over the blessing ceremony was Rev. Marcelo Solorzano, Barry University Chaplain. Father Marcelo asked everyone to join him in prayerful thanksgiving for all the benefactors of the Chapel, and he noted in particular the artistic contribution of Winter Park sculptor Chris Scala.
Also in attendance for the blessing were Barry University President Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD ; Provost Dr. Linda Peterson; Christopher Starratt, PhD, Vice President for Mission and Institutional Effectiveness; and Law School Dean Leticia M. Diaz, PhD, JD.
The focal point of the Chapel is an original copper sculptured work by Scala, the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life was selected as an image that includes the sacred heritage of all religious traditions, being rooted and grounded in God and extending its branches of compassion and healing to all. In the Christian scriptures, Jesus is identified as a vine with believers as the branches. The Tree of Life is anchored to the Chapel wall with symbols of the six major world religious.
The Chapel, which can seat up to 20 people, is available for use by all on the Barry Law campus and is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
You can view more photos from the blessing ceremony here.