Stony Point: Marian Shrine Chapel Renovations Begin

By Fr. Steve Shafran SDB

(Stony Point, NY – February 27) – Renovations began on the Mary Help of Christians Chapel (the Chapel) on Monday, February 20, and we all will be ready for Holy Week and Easter. I will keep readers of Salesian News updated on our progress.

The sanctuary gets the first of what I like to call "liturgical botox." The Chapel is beautiful, especially as we mark the 75^th anniversary of our presence in Stony Point. After the Covid-19 pandemic, we feel that there is an increase in people coming in to pray and visit. The intent is to have the Chapel 'evangelize' and speak about our great Salesian heritage and love for the young.

What you see in the photo is the expansion of the altar platform for about four feet and the construction of a four-foot wall at the back of the platform to bring the tabernacle forward and a bit higher. Platforms are being constructed for the presider’s chair and ambo. We are grateful to Fr. Pat Angelucci and the Port Chester family for the donation of the chair that Pope Francis used in Madison Square Garden during his visit to New York. The walls of the Sanctuary are next, so stay tuned.