Amazing Chapel Art

When Jesuit's students return to campus this week from summer break – all students are back for Schola Brevis on Aug. 8 – they will discover breathtaking sacred stained glass imagery rising to the upper reaches of the north and south ends of the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Installed in July by internationally recognized Conrad Schmitt Studios of Wisconsin, the extraordinarily vivid and detailed depictions of the crucifixion (north) and resurrection (south) have to be seen to be fully appreciated, either from inside the chapel or outside at night.

The $1.7 million project was made possible by a gift from Ray Hyer, P ’01, who has been a transformational donor to Jesuit for more than 25 years.

“We are deeply grateful to Ray Hyer and his family for these sacred works of art which enhance the beauty of our worship space while serving as a lasting memorial tribute to the faith and legacy of Kathleen Hyer,” said Nick Suszynski '98, Jesuit’s Director of Development. “The Hyer family’s generosity has provided a deeply meaningful gift that will inspire prayer and reflection for generations of Jesuit High School students, faculty, and visitors.”

Designed by American artist Kurt Wenner, the total of 80 unique glass panels has transformed the magnificent young Chapel at the heart of campus. Thursday, Jesuit president Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, S.J. celebrated the first Mass in the renovated chapel, the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Since it was consecrated in August 2018, the Chapel has been enhanced several times with inspiring sacred art. In 2019, Cody Swanson-designed statues of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and St. Joseph, the Guardian of the Savior, were installed on either side of the altar. In 2021, Swanson’s statues of the Evangelists were added in the niches high above the Chapel's four side altars.

The Chapel, which was designed by Duncan Stroik and features the phenomenal paintings of Raul Berzosa, is the fourth Chapel or Church to serve Jesuit students in Tampa, preceded by St. Louis Church (1899-1905), Sacred Heart Church (1905-1962), and St. Anthony’s Chapel (1962-2016).