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 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
Echoing the iconic Golden Dome at the University of Notre Dame, the chapel’s dome stands as a symbol of the Holy Cross tradition. It was from Notre Dame that the brothers set out on the path that would lead them 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. Created 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.
He gifted the piece years before there was any plan for a chapel. The Brothers of Holy Cross trusted that one day it would have a more fitting home. Today, the chapel stands on the very ground where the brothers once lived, fulfilling that quiet hope and bringing their vision full circle.
The bronze cast 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.
Behind the crucifix, multi-colored stained-glass ribbons rise and converge, pointing the viewer to “The Cross, our only Hope.”
Below the crucifix stands the altar, also fashioned from reclaimed oak. Within it rests a relic of St. Thomas the Apostle, reverently placed by Bishop Lennon and sealed in mortar by the project’s general contractor, the late Jim Walsh ’74.
St. Thomas is remembered for a faith that grew through questioning—a reminder that authentic faith is formed not by avoiding questions, but by engaging them, as Edsmen are encouraged to do through the school’s theology curriculum.
Stained-Glass Windows
Colorful stained glass windows, by the artists at Henningers, line 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 at its conception, the Congregation of Holy Cross looked 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. Before coming to St. Edward, the bronze plates hung in Akron's St. Hedwig Church, which closed in 2009. 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
A small classroom served as the school's chapel for decades prior to the new build. Its cast aluminum and brass holy water fonts, candle holders, and mid-century modern lectern are still in use today, connecting generations of students through a shared life of prayer.
President KC McKenna ’00 leads the Eucharistic Ministers at the Class of 1999 Baccalaureate Mass. The processional cross he carries is still displayed today.
