This Church in Germany was designed to look like this—there is nothing incomplete about it, but…
I do have a couple of rants about what I see. First, the two floral arrangements on either side of the altar or tabernacle enhance and do not hide what is behind the arrangements. But, why in the name of God and all that is Holy, would anyone simply stick a floral arrangement in front of the altar. For what purpose is this done. And often today, the altar is completely hidden by flowers and plants placed directly in front of it. I simply do not get it. Don’t hide in any way the altar by floral arrangements or plants placed directly in front of it. It’s down right stupid to do so.
But back to the title of this post: don’t do to churches that were designed to be austere by making them baroque looking with stenciling, artwork and no empty wall space whatsoever.
In the case of the church photo I post, maybe an altar railing could be added, but on the level of the nave, not any higher. Don’t let an altar railing hem in the sanctuary or become an obstacle or a fence to it, constricting the sanctuary. And the railing should never hide the altar, ambo and celebrant’s chair by hiding these even partially.
6 comments:
Quite nice, apart from the ugly, balance breaking ambo.
IMHO, and regarding the floral display, nothing should prevent the priest from approaching the altar.
As for austerity outside of a monastic situation, it seems quite possible for people to get austerity fatigue. Then, they call in a decorator who takes stenciling to an extreme. I don't know about others, but I get stenciling fatigue. Miles of repetitive shapes that don't mean anything. Perhaps there's a balance to be reached by adding some warmth with color and/or restrained mural art, or mosaics, without corrupting the intent of the original design.
The warmer color behind the altar - grey/green? - could have been used in the side bays, maybe in a shade 30% or 40% lighter. A slightly darker ceiling would warm the space up as well.
It is not unpleasant. Though nowhere obvious for the faithful to light a candle.
Our Lady of Victories, Kensington, London. There are numerous devotional candle stands in the church. Located in the entry area and along the side walls and obvious to those in the church, these areas feature images on Our Lady, St. Joseph, what may be St. Anne, St. Thomas More, the English Martyrs, and a Crucifix.
The previous church on this site was completely destroyed by German incendiary bombs in September 1940. The priests risked their lives to rescue the blessed sacrament and take it to a neighbouring church.
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