|
|
 |
|
CNS Story:
|
SHRINE-MOSAICS Dec-29-2005 (520 words) With photos posted Dec. 22 and today. xxxn
New mosaics, made in Italy, to be installed at national shrine
By Carol Zimmermann
Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is always busy during the weeks leading up to Christmas in preparation for liturgies and decorating for the season. But this year, the church was even busier than usual as workers readied the church for installation of a new ceiling mosaic in one of the domes above the congregation seating area.
Although the actual installation is not to begin for several months, the first step in the project and the reason for the missing pews and roped-off area in the middle of the church was the construction of a work area for the dome, just under 100 feet above the floor at its highest point.
In order for the mosaic work to proceed while not obstructing Massgoers' views of the altar for several months, workers have been installing an initial suspended scaffolding 57 feet above the ground and will add another scaffolding above that which will reach 82 feet.
The scaffolding is an "engineering marvel itself," according to Peter Sonski, communications director for the shrine.
Msgr. Walter Rossi, the shrine's rector since April 2005, told Catholic News Service Dec. 15 that the mosaic domes were not new ideas but instead part of "a completion project" that is "faithful to the original intent and design" outlined during the shrine's construction in the 1950s.
When the project is completed, three ceiling domes will be filled with mosaic artwork. The theme of the first dome is redemption, featuring Christ's temptation in the desert, crucifixion, descent into hell and resurrection. The other two domes, to be completed at a later date, will depict the Incarnation and the Trinity.
The mosaic for the first dome was designed by Leandro Miguel Velasco of the Rambusch Decorating Company in Italy based on the original 1958 design of John de Rosen. The mosaic work, with 12-foot figures, is being constructed at the Rambusch studio north of Venice and will be shipped to the United States when all the panels are complete. So far, two of the dome panels -- depicting the Resurrection and the descent into hell -- are done.
Installation is set to begin in early April and will take a few months to complete.
Msgr. Rossi said the preparation for the project, funded with money that had been put aside for it, began more than two years ago as artwork was approved and members of the shrine's board met with artists and contractors.
The shrine's rector, who has been getting plenty of on-the-job training in contracting and art history, has been to the Rambusch studio in Italy and returned with a renewed appreciation for the patience and attention to detail these workers possess.
He also sees the dome artwork as more than just filling in empty spaces in the largest Catholic church in the United States.
"Art in churches is meant to move people to reflection and prayer," he said. "And in years gone by, it was also meant to educate people by providing a concrete visual" of biblical images.
He expects nothing less of the soon-to-be-installed mosaic.
END
Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250
|
|
|
|
