Pastoral Care
The Chapel
A Place for Quiet Reflection
The mingled greens, blues, and reds from a stained glass window screen cast a somber, contemplative light in the new interfaith chapel located right around the corner from the Dana entrance.
The chapel is the culmination of the efforts of many individuals. In spirit, it is the special legacy of a patient named Jeffrey R. Forbes. During his 13-year battle with cancer, Forbes offered himself as a spiritual counselor to many fellow patients at the Institute and their families. His dream of a chapel, combined with his infectious enthusiasm, inspired the support of the all-volunteer Friends of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and of his family, his Harvard College classmates, and his colleagues in the cable television industry.
The project was launched in 1990, shortly after Forbes' death at age 47, with a benefit breakfast that he helped to organize. Planning for the chapel's interior and exterior was overseen by an advisory committee consisting of Institute Chaplain Walter V.Moczynski and representatives from medicine, nursing, social work, pediatrics, psychology, laboratory administration, pastoral care, and the Friends. The Friends' fund-raising efforts were led by past president Jean Canellos and founding president Sheila Cunningham. The group raised more than $100,000 to design, construct, and furnish the chapel.
The stained glass screen that is the centerpiece of the small sanctuary depicts the elements of water, air, fire, and life. It was designed and executed by the renowned firm of Emil Frei Associates of St. Louis, Mo. Cherrywood cabinets and upholstered chairs contribute to the room's warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Says Moczynski of the stained glass screen: "I like to think of it as a metaphor for pastoral care at Dana-Farber: a prism that serves people of many different faiths-a symbol of peace and hope."
