Our Ladyof Good Voyage

Our Ladyof Good Voyage Seaport Shrine ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON

The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage and The Mission On October 22, 2015, the Archdiocese entered into a purchase & sale agreement to sell the property upon which Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel was situated. The property remained with the Archdiocese until a new chapel was constructed and ready to open on a new parcel that would be owned by the Archdiocese. The current structure was dedicated by his Eminence, Cardinal Seán O Malley, OFM Cap., April 22, 2017 during the Vigil Mass of Divine Mercy. The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage is an Apostolate of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The spiritual connection to the Chair of the Archbishop serves to demonstrate the Archbishop s desire that the Seaport Shrine become an important center for evangelization, especially to young adults. 1

HISTORY The Chapel of Our Lady of Good Voyage In the 20th century, as the New England fishing industry grew and expanded, Cardinal Cushing recognized the growing number of fishermen working in Boston s seaport. In 1952 he established the Seaport Chapel as a worker s chapel for all those who worked at sea, and he placed the church under the patronage of Our Lady of Good Voyage. Among those who participated in the construction of the chapel was the pastor of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church in Gloucester, who also donated the statue of Mary that has stood in the entrance of the chapel on Northern Avenue. This chapel was a home for those who worked at sea and especially for their families who would pray for the safety of their loved ones. History of the Devotion to Our Lady of Good Voyage Our Lady of Good Voyage is a Marian devotion of the Catholic church which has its origin in the maritime communities of Portugal and Spain. The oldest Shrine dedicated to Our Lady under this title is located in the Portuguese village of Ericeira near Lisbon. A procession of boats and a blessing of the fishing fleet is commonly associated with the annual celebrations of her feast on the 15th of August, the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. 2

Devotion to Our Lady of Good Voyage followed the Portuguese and Spanish immigrants who went throughout the world to continue their work on the sea, and who brought with them their piety and faith. Devotion to Our Lady of Good Voyage The devotion to Our Lady of Good Voyage is particular to the New England fishing industry. The first church in the United States dedicated to this title of Our Lady was established in 1889 in the Massachusetts fishing village of Gloucester, located one-hour north of Boston. The 19th century saw tremendous growth in the New England cod fishery. Men of Italian, Canadian, West Indian, and especially Portuguese descent flocked to Gloucester for work as fishermen. The Gloucester church was built for the Portuguese families who made their living on the sea and whose devotion to Our Lady was strong. They would pray to her for the safe travel of their husbands and sons at sea, begging for her protection and intercession. This is why the image of Our Lady shows her holding a ship in her hand. 3

Exterior Location As residents, workers, and tourists cross the Evelyn Moakley bridge into Boston s Seaport district, they are immediately welcomed by the presence of the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage. In many ways, the Seaport Shrine is the gateway to this district, welcoming all with the peace, mercy, and love of Christ. Architecture Designed by ADD Inc. of Boston, the exterior follows a traditional A-Frame style. The cross has been repurposed from the former parish of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Quincy. The bell was created by the Verdin Bell Company of Ohio. It is made of brass and is twenty-four inches in diameter. The beautiful, high-pitched sound of the bell reminds listeners of the sounds of buoys and lighthouses at sea. In church architecture, the door does not merely provide a function, but it also serves as a powerful symbol of Christ who said: I am the door (John 10:9). As one passes through the doors, one enters into the life of Christ. The pilgrim leaves the chaos of the world behind and enters into the peace and rest of the Lord, who alone is holy. The front doors feature gothic wood planks with wrought iron gothic hinges. The hinges incorporate themes including an anchor and fish. 4

interior Designed by Cram & Ferguson Architects of Concord, MA, the interior is in the English gothic revival tradition. Of particular note is the complementarity between the stone arches and wooden roof structure. Narthex The Narthex of the Shrine provides an area of transition, as one moves from the world into the sanctuary of the Lord, where heaven and earth are joined. The noise of the world is left behind as one enters into the sacred silence. OUR LADY (left side) Our Lady is the Patroness of the church She is holding the infant Jesus and a caravela sailing vessel from the 15th century. Christopher Columbus would have used a ship like this to reach the new world In her garments, one finds the fleur-de-lis, a symbol of Our Lady. Caravela Sailing Vessel The cross on the ship is symbolic of Prince Henry the Navigator and particular to the maritime community. The cross is inscribed on the top of the main altar. The cross also makes up part of the coat of arms of Cardinal Seán over the front door. 5

Narthex DIAMOND PATTERN The windows at the entrance have a diamond pattern representing a fishnet. The images within the diamonds are symbols of the sea and Christianity. COAT OF ARMS (left and right sides) There is a great tradition in which the coat of arms of the sitting pope and the sitting archbishop are placed above the doors of the church. Cardinal Seán s Coat of Arms (top left) Two crosses behind the Coat of Arms: Maltese Cross: Cardinal Seán is a chaplain in the order. Cross of Christ Cruz de Cristo (in front of Maltese Cross) Cardinal Seán was knighted by the Portuguese government, receiving the highest honor the government can bestow upon a civilian. NAUTICAL COMPASS (center panel) In the center of the compass there is a traditional sign of Mary: A monogram with a crown. Mary is the Queen of heaven and earth and star of the sea. Mary is the one who leads, guides, and directs us to her Son. She is our greatest intercessor. 6

ST. PETER THE APOSTLE (right side) All pilgrims are called to follow the Lord with all their heart, just like the fisherman of Galilee. There is a history of great devotion to St. Peter, beginning with the cod fishermen of New England, and including the worshippers of the Seaport Chapel. Shrine within the Shrine OUR LADY STATUE This new Shrine houses a new statue of Our Lady of Good Voyage, which is a replica of the original statue that can be found in the Gloucester church. In one hand she holds Christ our light, and in the other a boat. The image reveals certain mysteries about Mary s role in the Christian life, as well as our identity as pilgrims on our way to heaven. She is the star of the sea, pointing us in the right direction and leading us always to her Son. And we are followers of Christ, at times tossed about by the storms of daily life, who seek her protection and a good voyage to the loving heart of her Son. Over the statue of Our Lady of Good Voyage is the following inscription: Oh ye seas and rivers Bless the Lord, oh ye whales and all ye that move in the waters, Bless the Lord, Bless and exalt him forever. 7

Nave Ship The nave is the main space in the Shrine and named in honor of the original great wooden roofs of the churches of old. The carpenters used the skills they had developed in building the ships s hulls to create these roofs. Every church represents a ship that is a refuge from the storms of life, gathering all pilgrims around the altar of the Eucharist and the Word of God and leading them to the safe harbors of eternal salvation. The Sacraments of the church provide the perfect remedy for sea-sick pilgrims (sinners). PORTHOLES Air vents are designed to look like portholes of a ship. PSALM 106:6, 23-24, 29 Split between the two sides, along the top, below the ship wood, the psalm reads: They that go down to the sea in ships, doing business in great waters, these have seen the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep; and they cried to the Lord; and he turned the storm into a breeze and its waves were still. 8

Side Aisles SHIPS Six ship models hang from the ceiling of the side aisles. They symbolize the vessels that once frequented the Seaport area and on another level the vessels of our lives. On the Alley Side of the Shrine (from the altar to the front door): Boston Lightship Flying Cloud Bluenose On the Street Side of the Shrine (from the altar to the front door): Malabar X USS Constitution Atlantic Boston Lightship Stationed in Boston from 1962-1972. A light vessel, or light ship, is a ship which acts as a lighthouse. They are used in waters that are too deep or otherwise unsuitable. USS Constitution The world s oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat. It was named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America. It was built in the North End of Boston and launched in 1797. 9

Side Aisles COMPASS ROSE Nautical instrument and a Marian symbol. Located in four butresses in ceiling and in the net of the stained glass window in the narthex. HANGING CHANDELIERS Repurposed from former Holy Trinity Parish in Boston s South End (the old German church). FOUR RIVERS Inscriptions carved into the column capitals commemorate the rivers of the Garden of Eden: the Phison, Tigris, Gehon, and the Euphrates: A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers (Gen. 2:10, 11-14). Stained-Glass Windows The stained glass has all been restored by Lyn Hovey Studios in Boston. The names of the original donors of these stained-glass windows were kept to honor them and their generous gift, which continues to give glory to God. 10

ROSE WINDOW STREET SIDE WINDOWS Features: The Paschal Lamb represents Christ s definitive victory over death the Lamb who has been sacrificed for our salvation. This center piece was repurposed from the former parish of St. Augustine in South Boston. The smaller windows circling the Paschal Lamb are new windows commissioned by the Archdiocese (the Octofoil eight points of the lamb). Produced by Lyn Hovey studio. The stained-glass windows on the street side were repurposed from the former parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Chelsea. Depictions (from the altar to the front door) Angel St. Joseph St. Ann St. Anthony St. Joan of Arc Angel The lower panel under each angel was replaced: Closest to the altar: Personal coat of arms of Archbishop Cardinal Seán O Malley; depicts the crossed hands of St. Francis and Christ (capuchin roots), the crest, and three stars (symbolizing the perpetual virginity of Mary). Closest to door (not pictured): Archdiocesan coat of arms; depicts the French cross over the trimount hills of Boston, and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Charles River. 11

ALLEY SIDE WINDOWS The stained-glass windows on the alley side of the Shrine were repurposed from the former parish of Holy Trinity in Boston. Depictions (from the altar to the front door) Jesus with the Children St. Clare of Assisi St. Ignatius of Loyola Jesus in the Carpenter Shop St. Maria Goretti Christ the Good Shepherd Jesus with the Children Let the Children come to me (Mark 10:14). This window was strategically placed in proximity of the baptismal font. Christ Good Shepherd Fittingly located near the confessional, where the renewal of Baptism takes place in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confessional The Shrine s confessional features a movable screen which gives the penitent the option of receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation behind a screen or face to face. The confessional is also handicap accessible. 12

Baptismal Font The beautiful stone baptismal font was repurposed from a parish in the Archdiocese of Boston. THREE NAUTICAL SYMBOLS OF SACRAMENTS Left Panel: Anchor (hope and Christ) Front Panel: Fish (Eucharistic sign) Right Panel: Shell with flowing waters (Baptism, new life, & pilgrim) Sanctuary The sanctuary, the holiest place in the Shrine, contains the tabernacle, the main altar, and a beautiful hanging cross. The wooden paneling on the rear wall and in the arches on the side walls of the sanctuary were handmade in Colombia, South America by the Essential Furniture Company. 13

Sanctuary THREE GREAT ALTAR WINDOWS These beautiful central windows were repurposed from the former parish of St. Catherine of Siena in Charlestown. Center Panel Nativity Humble shepherd is the one who lays down his pride to kneel before the new-born Savior. The Lamb that is tied eyes on the altar of sacrifice. Christ the lamb who was lead to sacrifice. Left Panel Annunciation Mary s Fiat God came knocking on the door of humanity and Mary in the name of all of us, says yes (Cardinal Seán). This is sign of resignation, joy, and trust in divine providence. Right Panel Assumption Mary who was conceived without sin, was preserved from the effects of sin (death), falls asleep (Dormition), and her body is assumed into heaven. 14

HANGING CRUCIFIX Made in Colombia, South America. Christ Jesus, eternal Son of God and Son of Mary, enters into the hour of His glorification (John 17:1). The King of Love is lifted high, as He draws all men and women to Himself (John 12:32). MAIN ALTAR The altar was repurposed from the former parish of Holy Trinity in Boston. The altar is a sign of Christ. In the early church, Mass was celebrated in the catacombs, on top of the tombs of Christian martyrs. This tradition is kept, as relics of saints are inserted into each altar. First-class relics of St. Peter Gonzalez, St. Anthony of Padua, and St. Faustina are located in the base of this altar. 15

Additional Repurposed Items Shrine rail Holy Trinity in Boston Balcony frontal Holy Trinity in Boston Organ St. James in Wellesley Speakers/sound system Our Lady of Victories in Boston Stations of the Cross Regis College in Weston Holy water fonts Holy Trinity in Boston St Joseph statue Holy Trinity in Boston Pews Holy Trinity in Boston 16

Our Ladyof Good Voyage Seaport Shrine ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON His Eminence Seán Cardinal O Malley, OFM Cap. Our Ladyof Good Voyage Seaport Shrine ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON 51 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02127 Information@SeaportShrine.org Weddings@SeaportShrine.org www.seaportshrine.org