Preparations for the Beatification: Refurbishment of the Motherhouse Chapel

Adapted from Society of the Divine Savior Generalate

One of the major preparations for the beatification of our founder, Father Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan, was the transfer of his mortal remains to the Society of the Divine Savior’s Motherhouse chapel in Rome. In order to offer Blessed Francis Jordan a worthy place, the Society Generalate began remodeling and renovating the chapel more than 6 months ago. Fr. Marko Ivan Rupnik, SJ, a well-known mosaicist and painter of numerous churches, such as the Redemptoris Mater chapel in the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City and the cathedral of La Almudena in Madrid, has been involved in the remodeling.

The main paintings in the chapel of the Motherhouse depict ‘The Baptism of the Lord’, where God the Father indicates “This is my beloved Son, listen to him!” Whoever wants to know the Father, let him approach the Son, the Savior of the world, who reveals in a unique and definitive way who God is.

Another painting at the back of the chapel, depicts the scene of the Ascension and Pentecost, where the apostles are sent to announce the Good News to all. The central figure is the Virgin Mary, who symbolizes the Mother who stands for the Church headed by Christ and participates in the mission of the Savior. Like the apostles, Salvatorians are also called to participate in the mission of the Savior, listening to him closely and proclaiming salvation to all people.

In the center of the chapel is a simple but solid tombstone with the relics of Blessed Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan, where hundreds of people will come to pray for his intercession. On May 13th, 2021, the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, Superior General Fr. Milton Zonata presided over the first Mass for the Motherhouse community in this new spiritual space. The Society Generalate hopes it will lead many to pray for active participation in the mission of the Savior.