(OSV News) — In a momentous occasion that promises to leave an indelible mark on the heart of Manhattan, St. Joseph’s Church celebrated the dedication of the first-ever perpetual adoration chapel in the borough.
Designed by architect Zeke Balin, this sacred space was consecrated by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York during a special Mass July 30. The 25-seat chapel is located securely in the rectory adjacent to the parish church and allows 24-hour access for adorers.
Father Clement Dickie, one of the Dominican friars assigned to St. Joseph’s, explained the dedication and vision behind the project to The Good Newsroom, the archdiocesan digital news platform. “Zeke Balin, a talented architect from New Jersey, poured his heart into this endeavor, making it his first solo project. The aim was to create not just a chapel, but a sacred space that truly resonates with devotion and reverence,” said Father Dickie.
The chapel’s design aligns with the principles of thoughtful planning, ensuring it stands as a true beacon of faith. Liturgical appointments, carefully designed and fabricated, further enhance the sacred atmosphere, giving visitors a sense of deep connection to the Eucharistic Lord.
Behind the chapel’s ornate rood screen stands a handsome marble altar, adorned with the phrase “Mysterium fidei,” which means “the mystery of faith.” The tabernacle, ornamented by a mosaic depicting the Divine Mercy image, is framed by the words “Fortis est ut mors dilectio” from Song of Songs, meaning, “love is strong as death.” The chapel’s sanctuary is furnished with choir stalls, to accommodate the friars daily community prayers.
Perpetual prayer in Manhattan
“It’s been a citywide dream to have a Blessed Sacrament, perpetual adoration chapel in Manhattan,” Father Dickie emphasized. “While such places exist in other boroughs, Manhattan was yearning for a space where constant activity meets constant prayer.”
The realization of this spiritual haven is a testament to the generosity of donors who wholeheartedly supported the project, understanding its significance for the spiritual fabric of the city. Nearly $850,000 was raised for the chapel’s construction.
The only perpetual adoration chapel in Manhattan is an invitation for all to experience the transformative power of constant prayer and find peace in the heart of the bustling metropolis.
Dominican Father Boniface Endorf, St. Joseph’s pastor, further explained the project’s significance in a recent interview in Aleteia. “It will ensure that in the center of Manhattan, of New York City, there will be constant prayer, which will bring many graces to the Archdiocese of New York, the city of New York, and it’ll be transformative for many people’s lives. All the people in the neighborhood will be able to spend time with God and realize his love and mercy for them and to grow in the faith and find the graces that he wants from them,” said Father Endorf.
The dedication of the chapel falls during the parish phase of the U.S. bishops’ three-year-long National Eucharistic Revival. “There’s been this great push towards the Eucharistic Revival and, as Vatican II said, the Eucharist is the source and summit of the church,” Father Endorf said. The project, initiated by Cardinal Dolan, embodies the bishops’ call to renew Eucharistic devotion in parish life.
The Dominican friars have served St. Joseph’s Church since 2002. In addition to the parish ministry, the friars are entrusted with serving the students at nearby New York University, as well as other Manhattan colleges and universities.
