This church is quite different from the anodyne imaginings of modern architects there is nothing bland about it. Meditating on one particular piece of sculpture in the church brought about the conversion to the faith of the mother of a priest friend, pray for her she died last year. That is the thing about it, this building speaks, not only is this the icon of the city of Barcelona but it speaks about the Mysteries of Salvation.
11 comments:
I was in this two years ago. It's fantastic but nowhere near finished. I was under the impression it would take another 5 decades.
I like it. It's different and it's not at all bland or effeminate!!!
That's about right, Shane.
When Gaudi himself was working on it, someone commented that he'd certainly never finish it in his lifetime. He replied that that was OK..."my Patron isn't in a hurry !"
:)
Will pray as you request. May she rest in peace, and pray for us still on earth.
I was impressed with my visit. The detail reminded me of the complexity that is within nature physical and in the spiritual realm. I noticed, however, some grafitti from it less spiritual visitors.
Shane. The Church is being consecrated by His Holiness. That doesn't mean the Church's construction has been finished. Westminster Cathedral was consecrated years ago, but its construction has still to be finalised (marble slabs, etc, still awaiting to be inserted, and paid for).
Why don't you like it, Father?
I can't see the appeal of Art Noveau
For those particularly interested in Gaudi there is a programme on kto (on the Internet) tomorrow night at 21.10 English time. It will presumably be in French but hopefully there will be much visual images to be seen on it.
I have three fireplaces in my house which were decorated with Art Nouveau tiles which are quite beautiful - stylised natural forms - but I do agree with those who find some of it far too fussy. The pictures I have seen of the Sagrada Familia certainly seem to be 'over the top.' No doubt some of the architecture will be shown during the ceremony tomorrow. This will also be broadcast live by kto as was today's Mass just finished which with its extremely modern altar set up and candlesticks will no doubt be contrasted by tomorrow's Mass.
If one reads Robert Hughes's description of the inspiration behind the Sagrada Familia, perhaps one will warm to it more, as I have. Based on Hughes's narrative, it seems that the idea was to have a church by which the faithful could, through contributing to its construction, and their prayers therein, expiate their own sins and those of, well, at least Europe since the outbreak of the Revolution in 1789 (and one would add, 1830, 1848 and 1870, not to mention then the later outbreaks in 1917, and some would add 1944, and the horrors generally of the XXth Century), the rise of communism, socialism, anarchism and materialism, and the like. Thus the title "Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family". And then it was to be dedicated to the Holy Family, the great school of Christian love, work, obedience, and service, as the Holy Father notes in his consecration homily today, an example and lesson even more necessary today than when the church was conceived.
Hughes, no friend of Tradition, it seems, says this was Right wing agenda. So be it.
Wonderful photo.
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