ALEXANDRIA, VA-Calling it a “glorious and joyful day for the Ireton community,” Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass, blessed, and dedicated the newly-renovated St. Francis de Sales Chapel at Bishop Ireton High School on Friday, March 21.
“This is a very proud day for the Ireton community and, indeed, for the entire Alexandria community,” Burbidge told the capacity crowd. “You have created something good, beautifully and gloriously transforming this chapel. In the midst of a noisy, busy, and hectic school day, you have created a space where people will find peace and strength.”
The concelebrants at Friday’s dedication and celebration included Rev. Noah Morey, Chaplain at Bishop Ireton High School; priests of the Diocese of Arlington; and Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales. Deacon Malcolm D’Souza, a Bishop Ireton alum, along with Rev. Michael Weston, Rev. Stephen Oetjen, and six altar servers assisted during the extended ceremony.
Students Kathleen Ferguson and Annie Scolese read scripture passages while members of the Bishop Ireton High School Choir and Symphonic Wind Ensemble provided musical accompaniment.
“This chapel now stands tall as a beacon of God’s presence, inviting all who enter to deepen their relationship with Christ,” said Kathleen Faherty McNutt, who has been Head of School at the Duke Street campus since May 2019. “Here, our students will gather to celebrate the Eucharist, seek guidance in times of challenge, and grow in their faith as they journey through their high school years.”
McNutt highlighted that Bishop Ireton is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its first class of students, a fact that was also acknowledged by Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, who recognized the school’s “legacy of providing an exceptional academic experience that promotes spiritual, intellectual, creative, social and physical development.”
Gaskins wrote that Alexandria “is lucky to have a school like yours that is not only committed to preparing and inspiring our young people but also giving back to the entire Alexandria community.”
Friday’s blessing included placing relics of three martyrs and two Carmelite Doctors of the Church into the altar, and then sealing the altar. The ancient custom of placing the relics of martyrs in the altar of the church traces back to the earliest Masses, which were offered on the tombs of saints. The sealing of the altar was followed by anointing the altar with holy oil, the burning of incense, the wiping of the altar by four members of the congregation, and the vesting and lighting of the altar.
The Mass marked the first major renovation of the chapel, originally dedicated in 1967. The extensive project consists of a new gabled roof with architectural details including east and west transepts with crosses. A new bell tower is visible from all sides of campus
Stained-glass windows decorate the the vestibule and sit in place above the altar. Expanded seating can accommodate the growing student population.
“This chapel is the heartbeat of the school community,” the smiling bishop said.
This report has been updated.
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