Holy Mary Seat of Wisdom Oratory
JNKA Architects · Notre Dame, IN
Overview
Located near the University of Notre Dame’s campus, this oratory and its liturgical furnishings were designed to provide a simple but noble space for private prayer, spiritual talks, and daily Mass within the 3-story Windmoor Study Center, an Opus Dei residence for 16 students. Designed in an Arts & Crafts style, this oratory features a pitched blue ceiling, wood trim, clerestory windows, and a Sanctuary with a custom-designed altar, wood-framed triptych and stone backdrop.
Located adjacent to the University of Notre Dame’s campus, we designed this oratory/chapel and its liturgical furnishings within a predetermined volume of the new Windmoor Study Center (designed by others), a 23,000 s.f., 3- story residence for 16 students at Notre Dame. Entrusted to Opus Dei, a Prelature of the Catholic Church, Windmoor provides spiritual formation with a family atmosphere dedicated to the professional and character development of college men, and the client’s goal for this design was to provide a simple but noble and beautiful space for private prayer, daily Mass, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, confessions, and spiritual talks, with a special emphasis on the design of the central altar and tabernacle where the Holy Eucharist is reserved. Designed in an Arts & Crafts style to blend-in with the building’s design, this oratory features a two-story volume with a pitched blue ceiling articulated with wood trim, clerestory windows and Stations of the Cross along the side aisles. Large horizontal wood members direct one’s attention to the Sanctuary with its random ashlar stone wall and large wood-framed triptych featuring custom paintings of St. Peter, Mary Seat of Wisdom, and St. Paul. The triptych provides a colorful visual focal point and backdrop for the tabernacle and our custom-designed altar featuring a marble mensa, wood base, and backlit reliquary with decorative metal enclosure grille.
Gallery