Manhattan’s Historic Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral to Undergo Extensive Revitalization

The historic Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in lower Manhattan is about to undergo a major renovation with the help of Rohn and Associates Design, Inc.  The 200 year-old structure, containing the only landmark Catholic cemetery and catacombs in New York City, needs a considerable amount of work to prevent further deterioration and to update the interior and exterior to meet the current needs of the church while also restoring the architectural detailing to that of the early 1800s.
 

The work, to be done in stages, will restore the complete interior of the Basilica including the sanctuary, stained glass windows, pews, narthex, catacombs, antechamber and restrooms.  In addition, there will be the installation of new lighting, flooring, modern heating/cooling systems and an elevator for accessibility to all levels.  A major part of the plan is the restoration of the classic Erben organ.  A new feature will be the introduction of columbaria nestled between the crypts of bishops, priests and various people buried there in the early 1800s.  A comprehensive landscaping of the exterior cemetery grounds with columbaria will complete the project.

Currently in the planning and fundraising stage, Liturgical Design Consultant Rolf Rohn will be part of Monsignor Donald Sakano's team to develop and oversee this great undertaking. He has been working closely with Monsignor Sakano to devise a scope of work that will properly and effectively address the vision for the church for the last five years.  The project is to be completed in time for the Basilica’s 200th anniversary celebration in 2015.  Check back for future updates on our work as it progresses.

Undoubtedly, these renovations will cost money.  We will be introducing several methods by where you can help us restore our treasured and historic Basilica. Until these methods are deployed, please contact us at 212.226.8075 to help us with the following categories of work:
    · Organ
    · Bell Tower
    · Catacombs
    · General Restoration
to learn more visit the Basilica's website:
http://oldcathedral.org/restoration/

The New Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe Provides a Place for Silent Adoration in Fargo, ND

When Liturgical Designer Rolf Rohn of Rohn and Associates Design, Inc. met with the Most Reverend Samuel Aquila, Father Luke Meyer and Earl Wilhelm of the Diocese of Fargo to design the free-standing Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe that would be nestled between the Cathedral, Rectory and Administration building, he had the additional challenge of developing said design in a mere three days.  This is when experience and creativity play important roles, especially with the limited budget of $1,000,000 for the entire complex. The contemporary neo-gothic exterior design of the chapel was intended to reach up and beyond the surrounding buildings and include parking, walkways and connection to the Cathedral.  The interior layout had to include a vestibule, restroom, balcony and stairwell to the lower storage area.  The space was to seat 45 comfortably in choir-like stalls with a marble altar (upon which the Eucharist encased in the monstrance rests), ambo, marble celebrant and deacon seating, side transepts for bronze images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Joseph and Child.  Bishop Aquila approved the design on the third day.

Particular aspects of the design of a Perpetual Adoration Chapel differ from the design of a Parish Church – it is like a prayer rug, with every inch devoted to prayer and adoration. The cruciform space provides that space layout, finishes, lighting, acoustics, artwork and furniture all focus on prayer.  Quiet is the key word for sound guidelines, and aesthetics is the key word for resting of the soul and mind that draws us to Christ's presence. The USCCB publication, Thirty-One Questions on Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, was carefully consulted.

In addition to identifying the physical needs of the space, Rolf, Bishop Aquila, Father Luke and Kathy Maglicco, Rohn's liturgical interior designer, focused on Roman iconography to bind our history and traditions to the Romanesque design of the interior of the Chapel.  In the entrance are the mosaics depicting the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and vaulted arches that draw you inward and your eyes upward.  In the balcony overlooking the chapel is a large diameter carved leaded glass of the Sacraments and the Pelicanus image feeding its young.  

The Mural of Annunciation, as narrated by the Gospel of Luke, is centered over the altar table and displayed with soft fresco colors on the Chapel’s brilliant celestial ceiling. This mural was painted by Raul Berzosa under the direction of Rolf Rohn.  The starry skies beckon the eyes heavenward, with the Archangel Gabriel kneeling in front of the Virgin Mary.  Mary is revealing the coming of the Son, who would bring salvation to the human race. The resplendent colors of The Annunciation mirror God’s presence, with Archangel Gabriel representing the heavenly hosts and Mary representing the Church. Surrounding this glowing vision, the deep blue heavens are parted by countless luminous gold-hued stars, revealing the “truth” that God will bring light even to the darkest corners of the earth and heavens.

Rolf and his team, working closely with a local architect and contractors, detailed every inch of the chapel.  Rolf and Maria Hubbard, Rohn’s Director of Graphic Services, also designed the custom art glass of the Last Supper, nave window and transept art glass of the New Testament, St. Joseph and the Blessed Shrines, all in peaceful twilight shades, to echo the churches foundation stories. They also conceptualized custom hand-carved statuary of the Holy Rood and custom liturgical furniture (including the altar, ambo and presbyterium seating) and the patterned floor that emphasized the altar and monstrance.
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Adoration Chapel in Fargo, ND, was completed in 2013. 

To see more photos of the dedication mass, visit our Facebook page:  Catholic Liturgical Arts Journal

USC’s New Our Savior Chapel and Caruso Catholic Center unites the prominent university’s large Catholic community

 

Our Savior Chapel and Caruso Catholic Center, Los Angeles, CA - Dedicated December 9, 2012

A warm and welcoming environment is a spiritual home away from home for students.
 
Rolf Rohn, of Rohn and Associates Design, Inc., was tapped for his liturgical design consultant skills for the new Los Angeles-based University of Southern California’s Our Savior Chapel and Caruso Catholic Center. The new center was completed to adequately serve and unify the expanding parish and embrace USC’s mission of “the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit.” With one of the largest university populations of Catholics in the west, this is a vital part of the university’s identity. While the center was very beautifully developed architecturally, there was a lack of liturgical and aesthetics that created a harmonious environment.

Rolf explained his mission: “The goal, with my coming on board, was to pull this together. Harmony in liturgical environments consists of space formation and relationships, materials, sight lines and form. With this project, additional problems had to be faced: there was very little space for liturgical celebrations and furnishings, the development of the Christian Journey from baptism to Eucharist through signs and symbols, the introduction of ministry (music, readers, servers, etc.), a chapel for the reserved Eucharist – while developing a sense of the Sacred.”  Throughout a long series of intensely collaborative meetings and thorough discussions with Father Lawrence Seyer and the building committee about their needs and objectives, they identified the intent of the liturgical, architectural and space needs of the community. 

Rolf designed the marble flooring patterns and sanctuary layout for the main chapel and adoration chapel, along with new pews and frontals. He also designed the tabernacle throne, tabernacle detailing, Presider, deacon chairs and credence table, and ensured that all other liturgical furniture being executed externally were in harmony with the interior. Rolf also conceptualized all of the lighting and liturgical appointments. Finally, he reviewed the exterior plans for the marble tympanum with an artist in Florence to ensure that was aesthetically and spiritually appropriate for the space.  There were many more details that were developed and implemented, including stained glass designs, Stations of the Cross, gold leafing of the apse, and gilding the exterior cross (which Rolf donated). When Rolf applied his wealth of experience and his artistic and liturgical skills, solutions were quickly found and a pleasing holistic environment resulted.   

To see more about our work at the USC Caruso Center, visit our Facebook page: Catholic Liturgical Arts Journal

Renovated Church of St. Louise de Marillac in Pittsburgh, PA, welcomes worshippers by uniting earthly inspiration with the divine

Photo: Sanctuary back wall for more photos visit our Facebook page

When Liturgical Designer Rolf Rohn and Kathy Maglicco of Rohn and Associates Design, Inc. was enlisted in the restoration of St. Louise de Marillac Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the goal was to emphasize its new open floor plan and provide a space that is both welcoming and harmonious. Designed to receive those who seek the presence of God, the church sits on a sunny knoll above a pastoral field. St. Louise embraces a motley group of organic forms, spaces, and reflections of historic church architecture. The rugged fieldstone used on the interior and exterior reflect earliest church traditions while exposed steel columns, girders and trusses modernize it with a local and uniquely Pittsburgh feel. Its once dark interior is now filled with beams of light that dance around an airy space that is now bright, warm and inviting.

Rolf and Kathy custom designed the liturgical furniture and materials, appointments and finishes while working closely with Reverend Michael Caridi, his team and architect Lou Astorino to ensure that they convey the sacred space’s integrity, hospitable nature and spiritual uplift, all in the service of the community’s worship of Almighty God. The vision for the liturgical furniture came from an existing Old-World style stone column outside the door to the Sanctuary and all elements were designed to be in harmony with the rest of the space while still emphasizing the Altar as the focal point of Christo-centric worship. The original baptismal font was also a source of inspiration with its intricate grapevine pattern that was repeated on all the new wood furniture and appointments.

The Italian-made bronze patinaed Tabernacle door and bronze-finished oak carved Ambry door, marble Altar and Ambo, Deacon’s chair and subtly adorned red and gold Presider’s Chair are invitations to meditate on the Paschal Mystery with their weighty, earthy materials and design. The baptismal font was also refinished, the stone base done in a bronze tone to compliment the rest of the furnishings and its octagonal lid gilded with 23-karat gold leaf and a complimentary patina. The company also custom designed all-new brushed bronze appointments with grapevine detailing carved in wood  to match the new furniture, including a gold leafed Processional Cross that holds a silver crucifix and a similarly designed Altar Cross, Processional Torches, Altar Candles and Sanctuary Lamp.

Artist Renate Rohn painstakingly restored all artwork with peaceful hues and gilded detailing to emphasize not just the beauty of the space, but to convey an overwhelmingly spiritual sense, including the hanging crucifix (with a newly fabricated cross). The back wall of the Sanctuary and its niches, featuring adoring angels, were hand-carved in Italy and hand-painted on-site with accents of 23-karat white gold. The original Mary and St. Joseph statues that stand in the front of the church were repaired and repainted with dulcet tones and gold highlights, and the new patron saint statue in the entry and the original Blessed Mother from the shrine in the rear also received similar attention. The original natural wood Stations of the Cross that encircle the church were redone in soft colors with gold and bronze tones to tie in with the rest of the artwork and to harmonize with the sanctuary décor. They also compliment the newly added hand-carved Holy Spirit relief – finished with 23-karat gold leaf and patinaed – that now hangs in the upper right of the church. All are meant to remind the worshippers of their participation in the heavenly liturgy.

The blessing and dedication of the restoration took place on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7th at 11:00 AM. Bishop Zubik was the celebrant of the Mass.

A three year mission with the Capuchin friars in Papua New Guinea

Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. has undertaken a three-year mission to help the Capuchin friars in Papua New Guinea, and the culmination of our hard work was recently featured in the August 2012 Capuchin Missionary Partner Update.  Approached by old Pittsburgh friend, Bishop Don Lippert, Rolf eagerly donated both time and resources to their new chapel in Bomana, advising on the design and gathering all of the necessary furnishings and art needed to make it a place of faith and beauty. A granite altar, chairs and tables, along with hand-painted wall hangings featuring saints including St. Michael the Archangel, patron of the Capuchins, and Blessed Peter To Rot, their martyr — both executed by Rolf’s sister, Renate Rohn — were crated and sent to Papua New Guinea, along with other patrimony donated by the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale, PA. A stunning stained glass San Damiano Crucifix commissioned and donated by Rolf also made the arduous 56-day ocean journey.

A prominent sign of Catholic identity at The University of Southern California now crowns the beautiful newly designed Our Savior Parish Church

A newly gilded cross, now glowing on the campus of the USC Caruso Center in Los Angeles, CA

Rolf R. Rohn, the design consultant for this project, has been collaborating with the building committee of the newly constructed USC Caruso Center in Los Angeles.  The University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private universities, and the new Catholic community center and church were designed to more than double the size of the original center and to unify the school’s growing Catholic population.  Father Lawrence Seyer declared that “with this new design, the church will be the heart and soul of the center. And that is clearly what our students and community need and deserve.”  The center “will be a place for students to gather, socialize, study and serve our community,” said Clare Faulkner, campaign director for the center.  “Alumni will come back to USC to be married here and have their children baptized.”  At a time when young people have little time to think about faith, God, and the Sacraments, it was a vital early step of the project to gild the simple yet elegant cross at the top of the church and illuminate it in such a way that it is an unmistakable sign of Christianity being a strong part of the identity of the university. 

A Catholic church must have a cross on it, usually in a prominent place such as atop a steeple or bell tower, and it is to be made of stone or wood.  It is the instrument of suffering on which Christ died and redeemed the world.  It also stands for whatever pain or endurance that a Christian undergoes, and voluntarily accepts, in order to be joined with Christ and cooperate in the salvation of souls.  The Cross is, therefore, a revealed mystery, taught by Christ, when he said, "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24).  The mystery of the Cross is one of the principal themes of St. Paul's writings (Romans 5:8; I Corinthians 1:17; Galatians 4:16; and Philippians 2:6-11).  It is raised up to show God's gift to the world:  Salvation, for anyone who will but call upon Jesus and accept his gift because he offers to take away our sins and suffer for us (by his horrific experience on the cross).  In return, all we have to do is accept Him. That's the love he has for us.

Rohn and Associates Design, Inc. donated both the gold leaf and the gilding.  The gold leafing of the cross is just one way that Rolf has helped the project take on a harmonious, Catholic identity.  The prominent cross is visible to much of the campus and is a beacon for worshippers — an indication of a safe haven and a place to be close to God.  And this cross must speak loudly to passersby, encouraging them to enter this place of worship and pray, think, celebrate or just remember loved ones, both alive and dead.  The newly gilded cross, either glowing in the hot California sun or glinting welcomingly with the subtle golden tones of sunset on a cool night, now comfortingly beckons both students and worshippers alike into the church to remind them that Christ resides within.  It is here, among the images of Mary, the Saints and the Old and New Testaments, that we can participate in the idea that we are all special and reaffirm our Catholic identity.

The Moment of Christian Witness Inspires Seminarians at St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati

New chapel reaches into the vision of faith, retelling in forms, shapes and colors, the story of our people and our savior.

Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. has had the privilege of working closely with Archbishop Schnurr and Father Anthony Brausch to help them plan and execute an extensive redesign of the Immaculate Conception Chapel at St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio, so that this sacred space bears appropriate witness to the preparation of the seminarians studying for a ministry in the Church.  Together, they sought to answer what would best motivate these students in their priestly formation so that they are able to face the challenges of spreading their message of faith.  

To help them accomplish their renovation goals, Rolf Rohn and his team developed and executed the vision of the  “The Moment of Christian Witness”, wishing to communicate to the seminarians an overwhelming desire to present the truth of the Gospel.  What was once a seldom-used dark chapel is now a true testament of our faith.  The unique altar with a reliquary at the base was crafted to have the marking of the 5 wounds of Christ on the mensa and is surrounded by a crown of thorns to remind us of the passion of Christ. The custom-designed appointments, ambo, tabernacle, wall reliquary, new flooring and lighting plan now make this sacred space a vibrant place for prayer and meditation for the entire community.  The prominent placement of the only three-dimensional figure, the dominant crucifix, takes center stage, and echoes an unexpected message of enduring faith and determination through the shared agony of the dying Christ.

A standout is the newly designed mosaic on the sanctuary wall based on the Book of Revelations and in which the elders worship the Lord God on the throne.  It features the 12 apostles and St. Paul, who represents the multitude of nations that are saved through the Gospel.  Executed in gorgeous red smalti and dazzling gold mosaic, rays of light radiate from the Triumphant Lamb in resplendent glory, setting the sanctuary ablaze and illuminating the altar and all who worship in faith.  Mosaics on the left and the right of this masterpiece represent St. John the Evangelist, the author of the Book of Revelations, and the Immaculate Conception, the first disciple of the Church.  The planned art glass, the only element of the renovation that is still under development, eventually will speak of the timeless Eucharist stories.

As Monsignor Frank Lane, PhD, wrote in The Athenaeum Magazine:

“Especially here in this place, where priests are formed, the chapel’s real gift might be to instill in the hearts of those called by Christ something of the vision of the Glory of the Lord.  A gift they can carry into the lives of those they serve.”

Our goal to represent the theme of witnessing the truth in the face of the powers of this world is now strongly indicated throughout the body of the chapel, and the hope, peace, and the strength one finds in the love of Christ is communicated by the designs done for the sanctuary.  We’d like to thank the Building Committee for their inspiration, guidance and trust while designing and working on this historic project, as well as for affirming the importance of our company mission to promote the Church’s rich tradition of liturgical art and space formation as an expression of her belief to address the needs of today and tomorrow.

The chapel was dedicated in December 2011.