The new, expanded Blessed Clelia Merloni Chapel at Cor Jesu Academy is now open! This sacred space serves as a beautiful testament to our community's faith and devotion, providing a place for prayer, reflection and connection for generations to come.

The newly expanded Blessed Clelia Merloni Chapel at Cor Jesu Academy honors our traditions while embracing new elements of faith and devotion. One of the most beloved features preserved from the original chapel is the mosaic of Jesus and His Sacred Heart, a focal point of prayer for many generations of alumnae. The marble altar from the old chapel has also been lovingly retained. The base below the original altar has been ground and placed into the terrazzo floor, visible in the gray specks underfoot. Additionally, the Mother of Pearl, a hallmark of every Cor Jesu class ring, has been incorporated into the floor, as it has been in Clelian Hall and the Student Commons, connecting these spaces across our campus.

The gold accents in the mosaic Stations of the Cross are a special nod to the gold mosaic in the sanctuary of the chapel at the Apostles of the Sacred Heart Provincialate in Connecticut, symbolizing our enduring connection to Blessed Clelia’s legacy and the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. If you look at the main stained-glass windows, you will notice a ribbon of blue glass along the bottom, meant to look like a river. This water symbolizes the ocean the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus crossed in 1902 when they settled in the United States. Finally, the installation of glass doors at the chapel’s entrance on the first floor and the stained-glass window on the second floor overlooking the chapel ensures that all who pass through our halls are reminded that Christ is at the center of our school, guiding us in faith, hope and love.

The Blessed Clelia Merloni stained glass window, adapted from the painting by Giuseppe Antonio Lomuscio, was created and installed by Art Glass Unlimited. It is a celebration of Blessed Clelia Merloni, Foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. More than a tribute, it invites reflection on her charism and the central role education played in her mission to evangelize. The window portrays Blessed Clelia during the founding years of the Congregation. Her serene expression and gentle gaze follow the viewer, reflecting the vitality of her deep love for Christ. This love, anchored in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, filled her with a zeal to share His message.

At the heart of the composition are her hands. Her right hand holds the Crucifix close to her heart, both uniting with it and revealing it to others. Her left hand holds her teachings, symbolizing her role as a guide to those in her apostolate. This gesture mirrors the position of her hands in the glass that holds her sacred remains at the Institute’s Generalate, with one hand embracing Christ and the other offering herself in service.

The new chapel is not only a place for worship but also a cornerstone of our school’s mission to deepen the spiritual lives of our students, faculty and alumnae. Designed with intention and care, the expanded space includes stunning modern updates that blend seamlessly with traditional elements, creating an environment of peace and reverence. The chapel’s design reflects our commitment to fostering a deeper connection to our faith and our shared community values.

On Sunday, November 24, 2024, we were blessed to celebrate the official opening of the Blessed Clelia Merloni Chapel with a beautiful liturgy. Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski led the celebration, and some beloved members of the Cor Jesu community joined us for this special occasion. The liturgy marked a moment of profound gratitude and joy as we gathered to dedicate this space to the Heart of Christ and to honor Blessed Clelia Merloni’s enduring legacy. 

We are pleased to announce that we are offering a 7:15 Mass in the school chapel on Fridays that school is in session. The exception will be on the First Friday of the month, when there’s an all-school Mass in the gym. This weekly tradition provides our students, faculty and staff with an opportunity to come together in prayer and start their day with Christ at the center.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed their time, talent and treasure to bring this sacred space to life. From the architects and artisans who carefully crafted every detail, to the donors whose generosity made this vision possible, we are profoundly grateful. Your dedication and support have transformed the Blessed Clelia Merloni Chapel into a place where countless memories will be made and where Christ’s love will continue to shine brightly.

As we move forward, we are excited to integrate the chapel into the daily life of Cor Jesu Academy. Whether through Eucharistic Adoration, private moments of prayer or weekly liturgies, the chapel stands as a beacon of faith and community. May Blessed Clelia Merloni inspire us all to continue living out Christ’s love in our hearts and in the world.