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The Gasson Hall Chapel, created to provide a place of worship on the Middle Campus during the two year renovation of St. Mary’s Hall, has found a home in the former Honors Library in Gasson Hall, where students, faculty and staff have praised its warmth and convenience.
The chapel, which offers Mass seven days a week at 8 a.m., and weekdays at 11 and noon, is staffed by the Boston College Jesuit community, who also offer the sacrament of penance 15 minutes before each Mass in confessionals constructed by BC carpenters. It is open for prayer or quiet reflection each day from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.
“People have found the Gasson Hall Chapel to be intimate and welcoming and a nice place to pray,” said Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Anthony Penna. “It is not St. Mary’s, but given that it is more centrally located, people find it easily accessible and an ideal place to stop in for a prayer or visit.”
Fr. Penna recounted how a BC undergraduate had approached him after Mass to thank him, Vice President for Mission and Ministry Fr. Jack Butler, SJ, and University President William P. Leahy, SJ, for working with College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Quigley to convert the space into its current use for the duration of the St. Mary’s restoration project. “The student said, ‘I love coming here, being bathed in the light of the windows, and experiencing such a warm and welcoming place to enjoy prayer every day.’
“That is a common reaction I have found from those who have visited the chapel. I hope that others will stop by for Mass or prayer, particularly during the Lenten season that begins this week.”