Seven bottles of light in a stone box. That’s how architect Steven Holl described his vision for the Chapel of Saint Ignatius. We’re standing before it now at Seattle University. It’s more than just a building. It is a spiritual experience.
The Chapel of Saint Ignatius dedicated in 1997. It stands as a testament to thoughtful design. Steven Holl born in Bremerton. He understood the Pacific Northwest light. He used it masterfully here.
Notice the exterior. The ochre-stained concrete panels evoke Roman churches. The reflecting pool and Katsura trees offer tranquility. Step inside. Prepare to be bathed in color.
Holl’s concept focused on contrasts. Light and darkness interplay. Each light represents an aspect of Catholic worship. Red meets green. Blue dances with yellow. Orange embraces purple. The mood shifts as the day progresses.
Consider the narthex. Modern art depicts St. Ignatius of Loyola. The wool rug symbolizes the River Cardoner. It’s where St. Ignatius had an illumination. Look at the icons of the saint painted by Dora Nikolova Bittau.
Follow the processional way to the sanctuary. Note the four windows. They represent St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises. Conversion is followed by God’s Indwelling. Christ’s Laboring leads to Resurrection.
The altar made of Alaskan yellow cedar. It holds relics of Jesuit saints. St. Francis Xavier is here. So are St. Robert Bellarmine and St. Edmund Campion. And of course St. Ignatius of Loyola. Gold leaf gently coats the wall behind.
See the sculpture to the right. It is called Gratia Plena. Steven Heilmer carved it from Carrara marble. It represents the opening words of Ave Maria. It shows milk pouring from a tipped bowl.
Let’s step into the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Notice the soft orange light. The walls covered in beeswax. Gold-leaf prayers of saints adorn them. A living Madrona tree reaches for the light. It symbolizes life’s struggles. An amber glass lamp hangs from a branch. The Eucharist is stored in an onyx box.
The Chapel of Saint Ignatius has won awards. The American Institute of Architects recognized it. A scale model resides in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. It is a space for daily mass. It is a place for quiet reflection.
Father William J. Sullivan Seattle University’s president. He supported Holl’s vision. The result transcends its materials. It’s a place that captivates. It is a place that inspires.
So as we leave think about light. Think about faith. Think about architecture’s power. The Chapel of Saint Ignatius is not just a building. It is an experience that stays with you. It is a testament to the power of light and faith.