Chapel of the Holy Cross facts for kids

A Chapel of the Holy Cross is a special kind of Christian building, usually a small church or a place for worship. These chapels are often named to honor the True Cross, which Christians believe is the actual cross Jesus was crucified on. They can also be dedicated to the event of Jesus's crucifixion itself. Many chapels around the world share this name, but each one has its own unique story and features.

Chapels of the Holy Cross

There are several famous chapels known as the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Here are a few notable examples:

Chapel of the Holy Cross (Montmajour)

The Chapel of the Holy Cross (Montmajour) is a very old chapel located in France. It's part of the Montmajour Abbey, which is a large monastery with a long history. This chapel dates back to the medieval period, which means it was built many centuries ago, likely around the 11th or 12th century. It was an important place because it was believed to hold a relic of the True Cross. A relic is a special object from the past, often linked to a saint or a holy event. People would travel long distances to visit this chapel and see the relic.

Location and History

The Montmajour Abbey, including the Chapel of the Holy Cross, is near the city of Arles in southern France. The abbey itself was founded in 948 AD. The chapel is known for its simple, strong Romanesque architecture, a style popular in Europe before the Gothic period. It has thick walls and rounded arches, which were common features of buildings from that time. Over the centuries, the chapel has seen many changes and has been preserved as an important historical and religious site.

Chapel of the Holy Cross (Sedona, Arizona)

The Chapel of the Holy Cross (Sedona, Arizona) is a much more modern chapel, built in the American Southwest. It's famous for its amazing location, nestled right into the stunning red rock formations of Sedona, Arizona. This chapel was completed in 1956 and is known for its unique design, which blends beautifully with the natural landscape around it.

Design and Purpose

The idea for this chapel came from a sculptor named Marguerite Brunswig Staude. She was inspired by the Empire State Building in New York City and wanted to create a similar structure, but as a church. The chapel's main feature is a giant cross that seems to emerge from the rocks themselves. It's not a traditional church with regular services, but rather a place for quiet prayer and reflection. Many visitors come to admire its architecture and the incredible views of the Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon.

Chapel of the Holy Cross (Holderness, New Hampshire)

The Chapel of the Holy Cross (Holderness, New Hampshire) is a chapel that serves the Holderness School, a private boarding school in New Hampshire, United States. This chapel is an important part of the school community, providing a place for students and staff to gather for worship, reflection, and special events.

Role in the School Community

The Holderness School was founded in 1879, and the chapel has been a central part of its campus life. While it shares the name "Chapel of the Holy Cross," its primary role is to support the spiritual and community life of the school. It often hosts school assemblies, musical performances, and religious services that are open to students of all faiths. It's a place where the school community can come together and share experiences.