Campus Ministry Locations
Hermance Family Chapel of St. Basil the Great
The Hermance Family Chapel of St. Basil the Great is located adjacent to Kearney Hall and provides the Fisher community with a center for spiritual life on the main axis of campus, realizing the founding Basilian Fathers' early vision for Fisher.
The building's construction was funded entirely by philanthropic efforts, led by a principal gift from the Hermance Family Foundation in memory of Fisher alumnus and former board member Ronald E. Hermance, Jr. ’69.
Sunday Eucharist is celebrated in the Chapel at 10 a.m. throughout the year and at 7:30 p.m. on Sundays during the academic year. Weekday masses are celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. All are most welcome to visit the Chapel and to worship with the community.
Architectural Overview
Designed to reflect the gothic architectural style of neighboring Kearney Hall, the Chapel accommodates 250 guests.
The steeple's cross reaches over 85 feet above the ground.
Donated from Most Precious Blood Church are the marble mensa of the altar and the top of the ambo. Local artisan, John Dodd, used Sapele wood from Africa and crafted the base of the altar, ambo, and presider's chair.
The “Gaze of Christ” crucifix depicts the moment when Jesus said, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). The INRI (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum) sign, along with the lighter color ends of the cross, are made from the wood of the oak tree that stood where the Chapel now stands.
In keeping with tradition, there is also the Blessed Virgin Mary statue near the Chapel door that came from the University's first chapel in Kearney Hall, then moved to the Coleman Chapel, and now has returned close to its original location.
The two mosaics on either side of the sanctuary include the Book of the Gospels and the Tabernacle, which came from St. Salome's Church, demonstrating the harmony between word and sacrament. The University seal is located on the back wall and includes the Basilian motto taken from Psalm 119: Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge. Iconographer Minh Huynh painted an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which was initiated by Fisher's Latino Student Union.
The abstract, stained glass “Windows of Mercy” were created by Valerie O'Hara. In addition, a statue of St. Basil the Great by sculptor Timothy Schmaltz is located in the courtyard in the front of the Chapel.
Fr. Joseph A. Trovato, CSB Campus Ministry Center
The Trovato Campus Ministry Center, located on the first floor of the Donald E. Bain Campus Center, serves as a gathering place for the entire campus community to visit and lounge, learn more about their own spirituality, study with friends, talk to a campus minister, or utilize our interfaith room.
The Center is named in honor of a beloved member of the St. John Fisher University community. Fr. Trovato was Fisher's first Chaplain and director of Campus Ministry from 1959-1989. In 1964, he succeeded Rev. Charles Lavery as superior of the Basilian community, responsible for the religious lives of the priests serving at Fisher. He spent 30 years at Fisher, working closely with students in his roles as both professor and campus ministry director. During his tenure, he married countless Fisher alumni and baptized countless future Cardinals.