Madonna di Fatima delle Suore Catechiste del Sacro Cuore is a later 20th century private convent chapel at Via Giuseppe Cerbara 40 in the suburb of Tor Marancia, east of Garbatella in the Ardeatino quarter.
The dedication is to the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title of Our Lady of Fatima.
History
The Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart (Suore Catechiste del Sacro Cuore) were founded at Casoria near Naples in 1905 by St Giulia Salzano. They received papal approval in 1960, and moved their Generalate (headquarters) to Rome.
The chapel here is dependent on the the parish of Nostra Signora di Lourdes a Tor Marancia.
Appearance
The chapel is part of a high-quality early Sixties convent complex, but unfortunately is rather hidden away from the street as it joins to the back of the main wing. Hence there is no façade.
The plan is based on a Greek cross, with a central dome and short arms. The near arms abuts the convent, and the far one has an integral semi-circular apse.
The fabric is in red brick, and the roofs are pitched and tiled including that of the apse which is tiled in a curve. The walls at the ends of the side cross arms each have three tall round-headed windows, and a small chapel is tucked into the corner between the left hand side arm and the sanctuary.
The dome is impressive. The drum is occupied by twelve round-headed windows, and the dome itself is cone-shaped and is in green copper. It has fairly wide eaves, making it look like a witch's hat.