Cardinal William H. Keeler Spiritual Center

The spiritual heart of St. Joseph Medical Center is its Chapel. Since 1965, the Chapel has welcomed patients, families, caregivers, medical staff and members to reflect, worship and seek comfort within its sacred space. While significant renovations have occurred in other areas of the medical center, the Chapel remained as originally designed with minimal modifications until May 1, 2008 when it was closed for upgrades and renovations.

When the Chapel reopens in December, 2008 it will be prominently located in spirit and in space in the new rotunda at the heart of the new at St. Joseph.

Named in honor of Cardinal William H. Keeler Spiritual Center, the Keeler Spiritual Center will house the Chapel, Meditation Garden, Interfaith Prayer Room and Spiritual Care suite. Extensive renovations are underway to complete each facet of the project. In the Chapel, new lighting and audio will enhance worship and improve images and sound to the services via closed circuit TV in patient rooms. The original, historic stained-glass windows will be restored and preserved and a specially commissioned San Damiano cross will grace the Chapel altar. The Meditation Garden adjacent to the Chapel will provide a tranquil place for rest and reflection amidst new beautiful plantings and natural elements. The addition of an Interfaith Prayer Room ensures that people of all faiths can worship in a space respectful of their personal traditions.

Chapel Artwork
San Damiano Cross
The focal point of the renovated St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, dedicated in memory of Carmen J. and Theresa R. Deyesu, is a large San Damiano Cross, an icon representing the Franciscan tradition of the hospital and its founding congregation.
The mahogany cross—carved, painted and gilded by hand—hangs behind the altar in a recessed, lighted niche. It was created for the Chapel by the Artesanos Don Bosco Peru, a group of carpenters and artists educated and trained at a school run by Father Ugi De Censi in South America. The organization provides training and work for young people enabling them to support themselves and contribute to the welfare of their native villages.

St. Francis was said to have been praying before the San Damiano Cross when he received a message from God to rebuild the Church. The cross depicts the crucifixion and is known for its distinctive red and black colors. The hospital has an extensive collection of San Damiano crosses, which are displayed throughout the building.

Stained glass windows
Installed in the original St. Joseph Chapel in 1965, the 14 stained glass windows depict the Stations of the Cross. As part of the new Chapel renovation, the art glass has been cleaned, repaired and reinstalled by master craftsmen. Formerly, the glass pieces for each window had been glued to a glass backing.

Artisan Glass Works pieced the images together with leading and updated the lighting. The windows are now framed in wood, adding to the warmth of the renovated space. The revived stained-glass windows bring color and vibrancy to the Chapel, the heart of the Cardinal William H. Keeler Spiritual Center.