The CHAPEL lends itself as a symbol of several realities:
1. Tent: this was the idea of the architect in as much as the two peaks were originally designed to be of the same height. However, while the construction was in progress he had second thoughts and was inspired to effect a change —an upward sweep towards the sky, with the Cross at the top.
It seems that this change does not detract from the impression of a tent.
At this point it is logical to think of the sanctuary as the Holy of Holies and the tabernacle reminds one of the Ark of the Covenant.
These considerations coincide with the architect’s mind that the white marble band (quarried, like the rose flooring, from Assisi) starting from the sanctuary is a symbol of the river of living water flowing from the Temple.
2. Boat: the interior of the chapel is “void.” Not a single pillar supports the vault. There is ample space for prayer, for contemplation in the light reflected by the stained glass windows.
In this instance the tabernacle makes one think of a rudder or a knot (more of a bow tie perhaps than of a cable knots) in the sense of link, of vital center — the Eucharist is the center of life.
The chapel could also symbolize the “Dromadaire” the ship that brought our Sisters to Guiana, Cayenne in 1727.