NEWS

Chapel blessed at Genesis

Kate Snyder
Reporter

ZANESVILLE –

Though it won't be open to the public until the end of July, Bishop Frederick Campbell blessed the St. Francis Chapel during a ceremony at Genesis Hospital on Monday.

This summer the chapel will be open and available to Genesis patients and their families, of all religions, to seek comfort during hospital stays or health care issues, which are often difficult times, said Genesis CEO Matt Perry.

"The chapel is really all about making sure (patients) can receive comfort," he said.

Members of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, which donated $1 million to the construction of Genesis Hospital, were present for the blessing. The chapel is also dedicated to them, Perry said.

"That was very fitting for them, and very generous," he said.

Bishop Campbell said prayers that those who sought care and healing within the chapel would be comforted. He sprinkled holy water inside.

"May all here today, and all those in days to come who will celebrate your mysteries, who will seek your courage and comfort in this chapel be united at last in the holy city of your peace," Campbell said during the ceremony.

He also read from the Bible and compared some of the stories with the ceremony taking place. Some Biblical figures, he said, during the course of rebuilding a city, had to figure out how to physically rebuild the spirit of the people.

"Whenever there is the presence of the Lord, there is not only excitement, there is hope," Campbell said. "There is faith. There is healing. ... I pray that this space becomes a place where they can find healing."

The former Chapel Wing Building is located in Good Samaritan Hospital. The new St. Francis Chapel is located almost right off the main entrance and will be surrounded by the gift shop, cafe and seating areas.

It will be a place that families can visit while they're waiting for loved ones in the operating rooms or where patients can visit with their families, Perry said.

ksnyder2@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com

740-450-6752

Twitter: @KL_Snyder