At the heart of the St. Edward campus, The Holy Family Chapel stands as a place of worship, reflection, and welcome.
Built where the Brothers of the Holy Cross once lived, The Holy Family Chapel is a lasting tribute to the founders of St. Edward and the mission of Holy Cross education.
On September 29, 2008, Robert and Paula Fairfield dedicated The Holy Family Chapel to God and to the many members of the Holy Cross community—both religious and lay—who committed their lives in the hope that their efforts make a difference.
All who enter, regardless of race or creed, are invited to know they are welcome here. May this chapel be a place of peace, safety, rest, and comfort—and a reminder that even in moments of solitude, no one stands alone. -Robert & Paula Fairfield
Golden Dome
Like the iconic Golden Dome at the University of Notre Dame, the chapel’s dome stands as a visible symbol of the Holy Cross tradition. From Notre Dame, the brothers set out on the journey that would eventually lead to Cleveland’s West Side and the founding of St. Edward High School.
Crucifix
The crucifix is the focal point of the chapel, drawing the eye upward and grounding the space in prayer. Designed by alumnus Jerry McKenna ’56, it reflects both artistic excellence and deep spiritual meaning. McKenna is a renowned sculptor whose work appears in sacred spaces around the world.
The bronze figure of Christ rests upon a cross fashioned from reclaimed pin oak trees that once grew on campus. Carefully removed prior to the chapel’s construction, the wood was planed and given new life. The altar, also crafted from this oak, further weaves campus history into the space.
Behind the crucifix, multi-colored stained-glass ribbons rise and converge, pointing the viewer to “The Cross, our only Hope.”
Stained-Glass Windows
Colorful stained glass lines the chapel, sharing the symbols and traditions of Holy Cross with all who pause to take it in.
Bust of St. André
St. André Bessette, C.S.C., was a Brother of Holy Cross whose life of humble service led to sainthood in 2010. Known for his profound ministry of welcome, St. André is a lasting symbol of hospitality. He is credited with thousands of healings and was deeply devoted to St. Joseph. This bronze bust, by Jerry McKenna ’56, stands as a reminder of St. André’s spirit—one that continues to invite all who encounter it into prayer, comfort, and belonging.
Holy Family Shrine
The 3/4-relief depiction of the Holy Family, designed in Italy by Demetz Art Studio, honors how the Congregation of Holy Cross looks to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a model of faith lived in daily life—a community bound together by love and shared purpose. Beneath the sculptures, a votive shrine invites the community to light a candle and offer prayer intentions.
Stations of the Cross
Cast in bronze and mounted on crosses crafted from reclaimed oak, the Stations of the Cross line the walls of the chapel. The fourteen stations trace the final moments of Jesus’ life—from his condemnation to his burial—inviting reflection as they move the viewer through the space.
Liturgical Furnishings
Beginning in 1949, a small classroom chapel served the school for decades. Its cast aluminum and brass holy water fonts, candle holders, and mid-century modern lectern are still used today, connecting generations of students through a shared life of prayer.
President KC McKenna '00 is pictured here leading the eucharistic ministers at the Class of 1999 Baccalaureate Mass. The Cross he is carrying is still displayed today in The Holy Family Chapel.
