The Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary
 Saint
Rose was founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet
as a Roman Catholic College for women. Today we are an independent, coeducational
college of liberal arts and sciences with over 4,000 undergraduate and
graduate students. In 1994, the College discussed the need to build a
new "sacred space" for the college community. Considering the
changes that had occurred at Saint Rose and in the world since 1920, we
decided to build a space that:
- was an interfaith space. A space that was able to address the needs
of all the College members, regardless of their faith tradition;
- revered and respected our rich Roman Catholic history and heritage;
- was a place conducive to private prayer, meditation, and reflection.
As you walk through our Sanctuary, you will see that the main worship
and gathering space has no specific religious symbols so that all feel
welcome to worship here.
 Notice
the marvelous stained glass windows created for us by Cohoes Design
Glass which capture the elemental colors of creation and the beauty that
comes out of the chaos and energy of creation. These windows not only
draw your attention to the garden in the Sanctuary but also indicate the
creative energy currently involved in interreligious dialogue.
 Walk
the monastic path on the tiles and they lead you into the indoor
garden, the central feature of our prayer space. All religious traditions
find God present in creation. Take a few moments to listen to the sound
of the water, breathe in the scent of the earth, marvel at the green of
the plants and trees, "be still, and know the presence of God".
 On
the northwestern side of the Sanctuary is our Catholic Christian prayer
room. This space celebrates our heritage as a Roman Catholic College.
Here you will find beautiful stained glass windows from a residence hall
on campus that once housed a community of Christian Brothers. Christians
can spend time here in silence, reading the Bible, or praying before the
Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle. They can say a prayer to
Saint Mary, the Mother of God or Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the
founders of the College, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet.
On the northeastern side of the Sanctuary
you will find our interfaith prayer room. The prayer books of the
major non-Christian traditions are here. Members of our community from
the Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist and Muslim traditions can come here for private
prayer.
The room faces east toward Mecca and Jerusalem for Muslim and Jewish prayer.
Prayer rugs are available for Muslim prayer.
Once you have spent some time nourishing your Spirit in the Sanctuary,
come downstairs
and nourish your mind in our Interfaith Library. Look over some of our
books from the many religious traditions, make a cup of tea in the kitchen,
and know that you are most welcome here.
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