People are singing the praises of the new Incarnate Word Chapel at St. Gabriel School in Austin, TX, completed by Rohn & Associates Design. Liturgical Designer Rolf Rohn collaborated with school leadership to develop a comprehensive master plan that reflected their teachings and the profound mystery of a chapel dedicated to the Incarnate Word of God. The primary goal was to create an environment that encourages students to grow in grace and deepen their understanding of Catholic values to apply in every aspect of their lives.
Transforming an empty room into an inspiring chapel requires a skilled liturgical designer to listen to the client's vision, assess the space, and develop a plan in accordance with Canon Law and liturgical guidelines. Using meaningful words, symbols, and drawings, they design a holistic vision that encompasses space, prayer, worship, and liturgical function—all within a given budget. This process, both challenging and faith-affirming, is exactly what transpired at St. Gabriel School.
The new chapel features majestic 22-by-20-foot jeweled leaded glass windows. Surrounding the entrance doors is a beautifully crafted depiction of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel invites Mary to become the Mother of God. This story, found in Sacred Scripture and recalled in the Angelus Prayer, an early Church devotion dating from 1000 AD, is lovingly portrayed. The transparent glass reveals the image of a crucified Christ inside the chapel, conveying the great tidings that Archangel Gabriel brought to Mary: her sorrow would bring eternal life to all through His death and resurrection.
This sanctuary embodies the City of God, its doors serving as gates adorned with symbols illustrating the Living Water of Baptism. Together with the Word of God, this imagery flows into our minds and hearts, cleansing, sanctifying, and welcoming us into this heavenly realm of knowledge and spiritual growth. This truth is confirmed each time we bless ourselves with holy water upon entering.
Saints throughout the ages, particularly those who relate to youth and families, adorn the side walls. These include St. Pius X, St. Francisco, St. Jacinta, St. Lucia, St. George, St. Philomena, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Bakhita, St. John Bosco, St. Dominic Savio, St. Bernadette, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Augustine, St. Monica, St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Joan of Arc, St. Jose Sanchez del Rio, St. Paul Miki, St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. A booklet is being printed to tell their stories and their love of God, serving as wonderful witnesses for all.
Custom-designed Stations of the Cross illustrate the Passion of Christ with youthful portrayals of Christ and His Blessed Mother. This allows young people and pilgrims who wish to walk the Stations and learn their prayers to relate more easily. Rolf also designed four consecration crosses, the crucifix, crucifixion window, ambo, tabernacle, and altar. These elements underscore how the students will be future participants in their prayers, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and Liturgy.
The sky blue Italian crucifixion window behind the altar portrays the authors of the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—as they are described in the Book of Revelation and interpreted by St. Jerome, with the heads of a man, lion, ox, and eagle. These lovely winged beings appear as if presenting to all who enter the inspired message of salvation through Jesus Christ, the living Word. The 8-foot hand-carved young Christ on the cross—alive, with eyes open—represents an unbloodied Sacrifice of the Mass and a willingness to share His divine invitation to eternal life.
Exquisite hand-carved statues of Mary, Undoer of Knots, signifying the promise of reconciliation and peace (a favorite devotion of Pope Francis), and Joseph, holding the child Jesus alongside the Lamb of God (protecting and advocating for all families), stand at the back of the chapel. They are positioned at a height that allows the children to touch and know that Mary and Joseph were as human as they are.
This awe-inspiring Catholic chapel will positively impact children and families for generations to come, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
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