architectural theology

Jun 28, 2013

In a month’s time the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch will welcome Denis McNamara from the Liturgical Institute of St. Mary of the Lake University, Mundelein, Chicago. I have been fortunate to have been taught by Denis, and to spend time with him here on the campus at Mundelein.

I would describe Denis as an “architectural theologian.” You will see this in the depth of his reflections on the videos. His visit to the Christchurch diocese is timely given our need to rebuild churches following the earthquakes.

In preparation for Denis’ visit I will upload a series of brief video clips to this blog – two or three each week.  In each brief clip Denis introduces us to the meaning, the beauty and the potential of Catholic Church architecture.
Here is the first six-minute clip.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Posts

highway for God

highway for God

Unbridled ambition is problematic and resentment is exhausting. Love, generosity and forgiveness really is foundational,

by rote

by rote

Rote learning was a norm in my primary school days, repetition of the times tables, two times two equals four, three times two

so simple

so simple

So simple that children who naturally and naively live with open eyes and ears get it, when we adults too often miss the point.

mountains & roofs

mountains & roofs

. The prevailing sense in the Old Testament was that God lived in the heavens (above). Therefore mountain-tops (where heaven and earth seem to intersect) were a logical place of encounter with the divine. We see this in Moses, the holy Old Testament leader of people,...

opportunity knocks

opportunity knocks

I find it very helpful to hear Jesus speaking directly to me, not as a fearsome threat but as an invitation to not miss the divine presence in the midst of the routines and demands, the ups and downs of my daily life.