Isn’t it remarkable how a place of serenity exists within the bustling Logan International Airport? We are standing before Our Lady of the Airways Chapel. This chapel offers solace to travelers and airport employees alike.
Our Lady of the Airways Chapel holds a unique distinction. It is one of the oldest airport chapels in the world. Its story began in January 1952. Archbishop Richard J. Cushing of Boston dedicated it. The airport was expanding. Archbishop Cushing recognized a need. He secured space for a chapel.
The Pilot noted the airport’s many conveniences. Restaurants, lounges, and observation decks were abundant. Yet a vital element was missing. Archbishop Cushing sought to remedy this. Our Lady of the Airways became one of his workers’ chapels. These chapels aimed to reach people in their daily lives. They provided opportunities to attend Mass and receive sacraments.
The idea for such a chapel was not new. Pope Pius XI had installed an oratory in a Milan railroad station. This served travelers and railroad employees. Cardinal Emmanuel Suhard of Paris also embraced this concept. He sent “working priests” into factories. Their goal was to counteract secularism.
The dedication of Our Lady of the Airways was a major event. Nearly 5000 people visited the chapel on its first day. Five morning Masses were held. Archbishop Cushing gave sermons and distributed Communion at each. Cardinal Francis Spellman, Archbishop of New York, also attended. He was returning from visiting U.S. service members in Korea and Europe.
At its dedication, Our Lady of the Airways was called “one of the most unusual chapels in the world.” It reflected the swift pace of modern life. It presented age-old truths for contemporary needs.
Maginnis and Walsh designed the chapel. They were known for their work on churches and buildings throughout the archdiocese. The chapel featured a circular sanctuary. A circular Communion rail surrounded it. A five-foot-wide aisle separated it from the pews. The pews were arranged on all four sides of the sanctuary.
The altar was noted for its striking simplicity. It was made of walnut. A tent-like tabernacle made of fine metals surmounted it. Cedar from Lebanon lined the tabernacle.
A statue of Our Lady of the Airways adorned the sanctuary. It depicted Our Lady at the portal of the skies. She was shown in her Assumption from earth. The sun and moon were at her feet. Three small planes circled the earth. She looked down pointing with one arm. The other arm extended upward towards the heavens.
Circular metal bands ornamented the ceiling. They were gold, silver, and blue. Seven metallic doves representing the gifts of the Holy Spirit were suspended around the outside. Stations of the Cross lined the exterior wall. A Hammond organ and a confessional completed the chapel. Two clocks were strategically placed for travelers. Airport loudspeakers could be heard within. A separate volume control was provided.
Archbishop Cushing dedicated the chapel to pilots who lost their lives. They served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. He also announced plans for another workers’ chapel near Commonwealth Pier. Our Lady of Good Voyage was dedicated later that year.
Initially, Our Lady of the Airways was open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Archbishop Cushing planned to extend the hours to 24 once the need arose. In the 1960s, the chapel moved to its current location in Terminal C. This was to accommodate airport renovations.
Today, Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m. Our Lady of the Airways continues to offer a peaceful retreat. It is a testament to faith amid the hustle of modern travel. Take a moment to appreciate this unique space. Remember its history and its ongoing mission.