Adoration at Holy Trinity Parish...accomplished by King Richards.

When one usually thinks of a Catholic Church’s construction project, the details involve modern representations of sacred art and architecture that has evolved since the mid-1960’s. Not so with Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Westmont, Illinois. When their pastor, Father William DeSalvo decided to renovate his parish facility to include a Eucharistic adoration chapel, he turned to a company that specializes in making churches look like churches. King Richard’s was given the task of designing and procuring all of the new materials to makeover a classroom at Holy Trinity into a traditional adoration chapel. However, one stipulation was that the chapel look old even though the entire project was newly designed and constructed.
The task of construction of the gothic style main altar and two side chapels began after much planning and consideration by King Richard’s capable staff with Father De Salvo. What emerged from the substantial project was not only a suitable site for Catholic worship, but also a remarkable example of qualitative contemporary Catholic Church architecture with a traditional devotional perspective.
King Richard’s provided all of the new stained glass windows, lighting, and custom made pews in addition to the main altar and statue niches. All of these exquisitely crafted details were designed, crafted, delivered and installed by the Atlanta based Church artisans staff and artisans.
King Richard’s over the past decade has established a remarkable reputation throughout the entire United States in its attentive attention to details and respect for Catholic sacred art and accessories. According to the company’s owner, Rick Lair their primary mission is, “making churches look like churches.” At the time of this writing, the company is actively engaged in the architectural salvage of religious materials from multiple Catholic Churches in Quebec. With restoration projects completed all over the United States, King Richard’s turnkey services are the most unique and highly respected in the United States.

The adoration chapel at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Westmont, Illinois is a superlative example of the creative design accomplishments being accomplished in Catholic sacred art and design that incorporates the best of the new with the inclusion of pre-Vatican II devotional practices.
Holy Trinity adoration chapel is a success not only for its traditional craftsmanship and devotional purposes, but because it promotes a quiet meditative space for Eucharistic adoration.
When your parish needs to restore, renovate or design a place for the sacred rites, they should call on the resources of King Richard’s. Their website http://kingrichards.com illustrates their unique expertise and talents in tackling just about any task a religious community can offer.
To take a look at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church’s adoration chapel, go to www.holytrinitywestmont.org . Father DeSalvo and his parishioners welcome your visit.

Easter Joy

Behold the Wood of the Cross!

The Reproaches



"My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you answer me!

I led you out of Egypt from slavery to freedom, but you have led your Savior, and nailed Him to a cross.

Hagios OTheos, Hagios ichyros,
Hagios athanatos eleison himas.
Holy is God, Holy and Strong,
Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us.

For forty years in safety, I led you through the desert, I fed you with my manna, I gave you your own land, but you have led your Savior, and nailed Him to a Cross.

Hagios O Theos, Hagios ichyros,
Hagios athanatos eleison himas.
Holy is God, Holy and Strong,
Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us.

O what more would you ask from me? I planted you, my vineyard, but sour grapes you gave me, and vinegar to drink, and you have pierced your Savior and pierced Him with a spear.

Hagios OTheos, Hagios ichyros,
Hagios athanatos eleison himas.
Holy is God, Holy and Strong,
Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us.

For you scourged your captors, their first born sons were taken, but you have taken scourges and brought them down on Me.

My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me!

From slavery to freedom I led you, drowned your captors. But I am taken captive and handed to your priests.

My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me !

Your path lay through the waters, I opened them before you, my side you have laid open and bared it with a spear.

My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me !

I led you, held securely, My fire and cloud before you, but you have led your Savior, hands bound to Pilate's court.

My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me!

I bore you up with manna, you bore me down and scourged me. I gave you saving water, but you gave me soured wine.

My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me !

The kings who reigned in Canaan, I struck way before you. But you have struck my crowned head, and struck it with a reed.

My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me !

I gave you a royal scepter but you gave me a thorn crown. I raised you up in power, but you raised me on the Cross.

Hagios OTheos, Hagios ichyros,
Hagios athanatos eleison himas.
Holy is God, Holy and Strong,
Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us.


A Poor Clare Colettine Nun

Hail Holy Oils!

Holy Thursday morning is the traditional time for the celebration of the Chrism Mass in cathedral churches throughout the world. During this liturgy the local bishop blesses the oils that are used in the sacraments for the next year. It is a time of celebration, a time of expectation and a time of renewal. During the morning liturgy priests, deacon and bishop are united at the mother church of the diocese to renew their priestly promises as well as celebrate their fraternal ministry. One of the key indications of the degree of celebration this day holds is the singing of the Gloria during the liturgy. We have not heard this joyful annunciation of Christological manifestation since the last Sunday before Lent.

Holy Thursday is a joyful celebration of the sacraments of Holy Orders, as well as a celebration of all the sacraments that shape the worshiping life of the Church. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia the Chrism Mass is attended by nearly all of the priests, bishops and deacons of the local Church. The liturgy is a time to not only worship during the Eucharistic sacrifice, but a period of enjoying the fraternity of Holy Orders. Whatever parish, whatever county, whatever neighborhood the local parish priest is there with the bishop on Holy Thursday morning in Philadelphia. That is the special point of the ecclesiastical gathering, not only does it celebrate the unity of the local Church, it celebrates the diversity that exhibits itself in each parish, each community as well as each faithful individual. His Eminence Cardinal Rigali has requested more of the parishes send representatives to this liturgical celebration.

This is an exemplary request, not because it is made by an Archbishop to his people, but because it incorporates the true pastoral role a bishop exercises in his respective diocese. One of the things that are frequently forgotten in a diocese is that those ordained share in the Holy Orders of the Bishop. Their activities as priests and deacons emanate from the Episcopal ministry entrusted to the Bishop. The Bishop is the source of all sacramental activity in a local community. The ministry of the local bishop clearly links the local Church with the Apostles, the first priests and the Last Supper which instituted the Church’s Eucharistic sacrament.

Such a union also represents solidarity with the Bishop of Rome as well, as each bishop exercises their apostolic authority in union with Peter’s Successor. In Philadelphia for example, the Archbishop will wear a pallium, which is an external symbol of his union with Benedict XVI and his successors. The signs and symbols of Catholic beliefs and union are prominent on Holy Thursday morning. Most significantly present are the Catholic people that are the recipients of the sacramental life of the Church, as well as the procreators of new generations of faithful Catholics. The celebration of the Blessing of the Oils as well as Holy Orders and most especially Eucharist indicates how uniquely inclusive our faith is. All members, regardless of rank, ordained and laity, young and old are invited to participate in this magnificent expression of the Church’s liturgical life.

Today is a sort of theological synopsis of the Church’s life and activities, past, present and future. While the Chrism Mass reminds us that we are one Church throughout the world, we most clearly see, sense and feel that we are one Church united through our sacramental activities. Holy Thursday morning is the embarkation point from which we travel to this evenings Sacred Triduum and the rest of Holy Week. It is a great start to conclude our Lenten journey and shows us very clearly our Christological union through the sacraments.