S A N C TA’ S
C H A P E L
1 Markarid Sarkissian Alumna Fresher 2016, Liturgical Secretary and Senior RA 2018
Sancta’s Chapel is not just a place of worship. Over the years, the chapel has been used for many different purposes that reflect what it means to different people. Students have been known to sit quietly in the chapel to read or reflect. I’ve even seen some students FaceTime (video chat) their family from the Chapel, as it can sometimes be the only place in the College where one won’t be disturbed. The Chapel is often also used for choir, vocal and instrumental practices, which I personally find quite beautiful and poetic. Meditation and reflection sessions are also held in the Chapel on occasion, especially during exam periods, and are open to all students
and staff. Also during exam periods, the Chapel is fitted with desks and chairs to be used as a space for learning and study. This year, the Chapel was used during Vale for the presentation of the sashes, where Valetants and Graduands officially received their sashes. This was an emotional ceremony for many, as the Chapel was where most students’ commencement ceremony began when they first came to Sancta. Of course, our Sunday evening Masses retain our Chapel as a place of
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worship, as we have many members of our community and visitors join us for this celebration on a regular basis throughout the year. Very often people are unsure how to act in chapels if they are not strictly practicing Catholics. However, the fact that students have come to feel comfortable with our Chapel says a lot about the kind of space that it is — a space of comfort, refuge, reflection and meditation. The space has created its own unique meaning with every student through its multi-function and represents more than simply our College’s Catholic tradition.