God at the Center of Every Detail in Our Lady of Providence Catholic Hospital Chapel

A hospital chapel is a sacred place that must radiate inspiration, comfort, hope, and faith upon all who enter it. The awe-inspiring environment of Our Lady of Providence Chapel at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, MA, allows individuals to seek solace by trusting in God's providence. While most hospitals have a non-denominational place for prayer, chapels in Catholic hospitals are unique in that God is present in the tabernacle and on the altar where mass is offered. Director of Mission Integration Monsignor Peter Beaulieu enlisted Rohn & Associates to ensure these devotional themes were properly executed in their new main chapel. The scope of work included space formation for the vestibule, chapel, reserved Eucharist, Blessed Mother shrine, confessional, and sacristy.

Understanding the need to reflect the hospital’s devotion to the Virgin Mary and her providential care, Liturgical Designer Rolf Rohn designed the new environment from the altar out to create a chapel that would deliver a sense of peace, hope, and closeness to God while meeting Church and diocesan guidelines. He intentionally shaped the interior to give clear sightlines to everyone no matter where they were situated. The chapel went from an allotted space of 16’ x 16’ to 32’+ x 22’ deep. Impressively, Rolf was able to provide a prayerful environment that, even though small, would not be cramped or intrusive.

Rolf’s design team developed a palette of soothing tones of grey, cream, and blue that work in harmony with the hospital interior. The dark wood furniture and pews, fabricated in Poland, complement the sanctuary’s semi-circle cream marble floor and altar. A Polish travertine marble ambo displays relief carvings of Peter and Paul while the Four Evangelists ornament the altar. Beautiful upholstery covers the Carpathian oak presider’s chair.

Hand-carved Stations of the Cross wrap around the extraordinary curved ceiling and tabernacle. Rolf's team gently illuminated each Station to remind all patients and families that no one suffers alone, and Christ is there for them in the celebration of the Eucharist and Word. They finished the sanctuary with a stunning bronze tabernacle and matching crucifix while full-height carved-glass doors and the back wall speak of angels in adoration and images of Christian mercy.

You can read about our work on the Our Lady of Divine Hope Chapel at St. Vincent Hospital, which specifically promotes prayer and celebration of the Eucharist for oncology patients and their loved ones.