For over 150 years, The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth have been on the front lines of social justice, partnering with individuals and communities to bring about real change.
SITE
Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth
Convent Station, NJ
DATES
1999 - Design Completion
2000- Construction Completion
TEAM MEMBER
Dan Chong, Project Architect (VITETTA)
Sisters of Charity, Client
DESCRIPTION
The symbolism of the mother pelican feeding her little baby pelicans is rooted in an ancient legend that preceded Christianity. The legend was that in time of famine, the mother pelican wounded herself, striking her breast with the beak to feed her young with her blood to prevent starvation. Another version of the legend was that the mother fed her dying young with her blood to revive them from death, but in turn, lost her own life. Given this tradition, one can easily see why the early Christians adopted it to symbolize our Lord, Jesus Christ. The pelican symbolizes Jesus our Redeemer who gave His life for our redemption and the atonement He made through His passion and death.
A re-examination of modern-day convent life exhibited a need for fewer dorms, but more meeting spaces, accessible elevators, modernized Archival spaces. Below are a couple 'before' and 'after' photos of the rebirth of this convent.
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