In the amazing opportunity today to travel to two very distinct Christian sacred spaces, I learned a deal on what makes a space truly sacred; it's detail and gran velour or the reason it is there. In our first destination I was immediately overtaken with surprise and awe at the size and detailed architecture that was the Saint Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville; I had no idea that the magnitude of the interior was simply a small taste of the interior. Upon my entrance, my immediate focus went to the altar. The bright pastel colors that lined and emphasized each piece, the beauty of the tabernacle, the detail in the murals, the statues, all kept my eyes moving at a rapid pace in attempt to take everything in. In the two hour time period spent with our wonderful guide, John, numerous specific characterizations of the Basilica were made known. However, I fear if we had not been given such a list of details- the meaning of why people were there may have been lost on distraction. Mass is a time of prayer and worship. It is a small portion of time we give to God; a time to reflect, pray, and prepare ourselves to receive his body and blood. With all of the ornate aspects of the place I feel like many people would spend their time there looking around distracted from the words of our Lord. In all fairness I believe there is a great deal of importance in paying homage to the many people such as apostles and other disciples in the Catholic religion; however, I feel t
here is a time and place and in such great abundance a large church is not necessarily one of them. With this profusion of detail people are unable to concentrate on the mass as well as the actual importance of the object. I feel as though it crossed the line from reverence to decoration. I am sure many are able to find the balance between appreciation for their surroundings and prayer; however, personally I felt it quite overwhelming and prefer a more simplistic setting.
Our Lady of New Melleray Abbey, the second stop on our Christian sacred spaces journey was exactly what I was hoping for. Due to the fact that my grandparents live in Dubuque and have a special relationship with many of the residents of New Melleray Abbey, I had visited a time or two in my childhood. Also, the photography hanging in the gift shop outside of the church of the different places and people of the Abbey were taken by my uncle. Therefore, I felt a strong connection to the space due to the fact that many of the pieces that making it so wonderful are hanging on the walls of my house. In Minnesota I attended the Convent of the Visitation for both grade school and high school. This institution was founded by the Visitation sisters and continually teaches the great ideas of salesian spirituality and the works of Saint Francis DeSales and Saint Jane DeChantl. One of the most important virtues for Francis was simplicity. This would explain both my comfort in sacred spaces in accordance to the monastic life as well as minimalism.
There were many things specific to this Abbey that made for a personal connection with
me. Firstly, the fact that the Abbey was started with monks from Ireland that came to America during the famine was very interesting due to my Irish heritage. Also, I spent a lot of first semester studying the life and works of Thomas Merton and his emphasis on solidarity and joy that he found in his participation in the monastic life. In our study of Merton we learned a great deal on the importance of finding one's 'true self'. This journey for the true self is an everlasting one. It is an internal search for truth and belief in returning to the person that God created us to be. In Brother Stephan's description of many aspects of the church I found a connection between them and Merton's teachings; primarily in the architecture. The fact that the limestone was not originally built meant to be seen created the walls to be very raw and real, ranging in varying shapes and sizes of stones. This could have reflected many ideas such as the people of the church that no matter big or small important or not when brought together in celebration are able to find a connection through faith. Also, it demonstrated the fact that although things may not be lavish their importance is not found in value but instead on purpose. In this case, the purpose being to house the celebration of many people dedicated to following the will of God.
There
were many things that made the Basilica in Dyersville a Christian sacred space. However, the three main ones that were prominent to me were the three characteristics that distinguished it from both another church and a cathedral. These three aspects are the half opened parasol, the code of arms, and the bell. The purpose of the half opened parasol located to the side of the altar is in respect and possible preparation for the coming of the Pope. Because the Pope is seen as the pastor of the Basilica if he ever found his way to Iowa, he would be welcomed and properly cared for in Dyersville. This parasol may be used to either protect the Pope from rain or shield him from the sun. The code of arms is specific to the Basilica and as is the bell.
In contrast the aspects of the Abbey that I found to be particularly applicable to the Christian faith were the tabernacle, icon, architecture, and worship. I found the comparison of the tabernacle to a tent to house visitors and create a warm place of comfort and solitude extremely relevant. Also, with the only one icon of Mary and her son Jesus, it amazed me how much symbolism and strength there could be to find in just one detail. From the emotion of their faces, to the structure that held it in place, the joyful meanings being everything were amazing. As for the architecture and worship, the space was very warm and welcoming allowing the monks to truly feel as if they were guests in the home of our Lord. The fact they worshiped facing each other demonstrated to me that they were willing and able to participate in the celebration together, helping one another on their journey towards God.
Overall, I found this day of trips to be quite enjoyable. I learned a great deal of information about both places as well as a little bit more about myself and my faith life. I have high hopes for our future endeavors as I know they will be equally as enriching.
here is a time and place and in such great abundance a large church is not necessarily one of them. With this profusion of detail people are unable to concentrate on the mass as well as the actual importance of the object. I feel as though it crossed the line from reverence to decoration. I am sure many are able to find the balance between appreciation for their surroundings and prayer; however, personally I felt it quite overwhelming and prefer a more simplistic setting.Our Lady of New Melleray Abbey, the second stop on our Christian sacred spaces journey was exactly what I was hoping for. Due to the fact that my grandparents live in Dubuque and have a special relationship with many of the residents of New Melleray Abbey, I had visited a time or two in my childhood. Also, the photography hanging in the gift shop outside of the church of the different places and people of the Abbey were taken by my uncle. Therefore, I felt a strong connection to the space due to the fact that many of the pieces that making it so wonderful are hanging on the walls of my house. In Minnesota I attended the Convent of the Visitation for both grade school and high school. This institution was founded by the Visitation sisters and continually teaches the great ideas of salesian spirituality and the works of Saint Francis DeSales and Saint Jane DeChantl. One of the most important virtues for Francis was simplicity. This would explain both my comfort in sacred spaces in accordance to the monastic life as well as minimalism.
There were many things specific to this Abbey that made for a personal connection with
me. Firstly, the fact that the Abbey was started with monks from Ireland that came to America during the famine was very interesting due to my Irish heritage. Also, I spent a lot of first semester studying the life and works of Thomas Merton and his emphasis on solidarity and joy that he found in his participation in the monastic life. In our study of Merton we learned a great deal on the importance of finding one's 'true self'. This journey for the true self is an everlasting one. It is an internal search for truth and belief in returning to the person that God created us to be. In Brother Stephan's description of many aspects of the church I found a connection between them and Merton's teachings; primarily in the architecture. The fact that the limestone was not originally built meant to be seen created the walls to be very raw and real, ranging in varying shapes and sizes of stones. This could have reflected many ideas such as the people of the church that no matter big or small important or not when brought together in celebration are able to find a connection through faith. Also, it demonstrated the fact that although things may not be lavish their importance is not found in value but instead on purpose. In this case, the purpose being to house the celebration of many people dedicated to following the will of God.There
were many things that made the Basilica in Dyersville a Christian sacred space. However, the three main ones that were prominent to me were the three characteristics that distinguished it from both another church and a cathedral. These three aspects are the half opened parasol, the code of arms, and the bell. The purpose of the half opened parasol located to the side of the altar is in respect and possible preparation for the coming of the Pope. Because the Pope is seen as the pastor of the Basilica if he ever found his way to Iowa, he would be welcomed and properly cared for in Dyersville. This parasol may be used to either protect the Pope from rain or shield him from the sun. The code of arms is specific to the Basilica and as is the bell.In contrast the aspects of the Abbey that I found to be particularly applicable to the Christian faith were the tabernacle, icon, architecture, and worship. I found the comparison of the tabernacle to a tent to house visitors and create a warm place of comfort and solitude extremely relevant. Also, with the only one icon of Mary and her son Jesus, it amazed me how much symbolism and strength there could be to find in just one detail. From the emotion of their faces, to the structure that held it in place, the joyful meanings being everything were amazing. As for the architecture and worship, the space was very warm and welcoming allowing the monks to truly feel as if they were guests in the home of our Lord. The fact they worshiped facing each other demonstrated to me that they were willing and able to participate in the celebration together, helping one another on their journey towards God.
Overall, I found this day of trips to be quite enjoyable. I learned a great deal of information about both places as well as a little bit more about myself and my faith life. I have high hopes for our future endeavors as I know they will be equally as enriching.
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