Rohn and Associates Design, Inc.

Gothic-Inspired Liturgical Redesign Featured In Good Shepard Home Of The Aged

2012-01-09T08:48:00.000-08:00

Rohn & Associates, Inc. recently completed the liturgical design for the Chapel at the Good Shepherd Home of the Aged in Wheeling, West Virginia, which was dedicated on December 23rd. As always, we first identified the client’s vision: the chapel should be easily accessible to the residents and the separate sections be unified into one. We also made it our goal to have the aesthetics and the ambiance of the environment provide inspiration, quiet comfort and peace to the residents using the chapel, all the while embracing the glory of God. We worked closely with Monsignor Kevin Quirk to develop all of the liturgical furniture, appointments and statuary, ensuring that they were of quality, noble, and natural materials in harmony and scale with the Gothic architectural style of the building and that they convey a sense of permanence that would endure while maintaining simplicity and functionality. The Altar, Ambo, Tabernacle throne and statue pedestals for the existing but retouched Holy Family were all executed in White Carrara and Rosso Impero marble. Special touches such as more substantial furniture pieces specifically designed for the elderly, ADA handicapped accessibility to the sanctuary area, the showcasing the Oil of the Sick, and distinctive locations for a Book of Memory and a Book of Intentions were added. We also restored a faded set of priceless Stations of the Cross to a new glory.
After months of collaboration and hard work, the chapel reached its potential to be a place of extraordinary comfort and of great meaning. We were able to create an interior whose liturgical and aesthetic qualities comply with Church and diocesan guidelines as well as the residents’ needs.

A rebirth at St. James Cathedral in Orlando, Florida

2011-01-24T07:24:00.001-08:00

Last year, Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. began a renovation, restoration and expansion of the mother church of the Diocese of Orlando, St. James Cathedral, to conduct much-needed repairs to the infrastructure, enhance the liturgical art and original beauty, and expand the seating.

After an intense collaboration with Sister Elizabeth Worley and Antonio Aguerrevere and their staunch commitment to the project, work – and a truly spiritual journey for all involved - began just in time to commemorate their 125th anniversary.

All new liturgical furniture was sculpted from four varieties of polished Italian marble in a rich crimson hue to symbolize the blood of Christ, and complimented by dulcet tones of rose and mottled beige. The Baptismal Font, Altar, Ambo, Tabernacle and Bishop’s chair feature columns incorporated with a shell motif in honor of their namesake, as well as bas relief carvings of St. James, St. Peter and Paul, and the four Evangelists.

A stunning oil-on-canvas Pentecost mural in sunset tones, designed and hand-painted by Renata Rohn, stands 12 feet high and depicts the Holy Spirit descending upon the Apostles and empowering them, as well as us, to share his redemption with the world. As well, a series of Renaissance-style murals will frame the altar area and depict the four most important moments in the life of St. James.

Conceptualized by Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. and donated by Rolf Rohn, a magnificent wooden crucifix is the focal point of the entire sanctuary, displaying Christ’s body and the magnitude of his suffering and love for us. The 8’7” crucifix and 5/6” corpus are mounted in front of a hand-painted oil on canvas mural depicting the City of Jerusalem.
The dedication was on November 20, 2010.
Photos provided by Sister Elizabeth Worley © 2010 http://www.pbase.com/valetao/profile

Encouraging the mission of priestly formation and future leadership in the Catholic Church in the United States.

2010-07-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Rohn and Associates Design, Inc. was proud to attend the dedication of the Casa Santa Maria containing the new home of the Institute for Continuing Theological Education at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. (http://www.pnac.org/casa-santa-maria/about-casa-santa-maria/). This newly renovated villa will contain a Chapel for Priests taking part in this sabbatical program, which has been designed by our firm. Father Michael G. Wensing is the director of the sabbatical program and has been working for the past six months with Rolf and Kathy and our team of designers, including Monsignor Moroney.

Since its inception in 1971, the ICTE has provided the highest quality of sabbatical renewal to more than two thousand Priests, allowing them to revitalize their theological education in fulfillment of the Saint Paul’s invocation: “I remind you to rekindle the gift of faith that is within you.” (2 Tim 1:6). In order to continue this tradition of excellence, the Pontifical North American College is completing the renovation of the new Chapel of SAINT JOHN VIANNEY in its newly renovated home.

Rohn and Associates Design, Inc. painstakingly designed this sacred space so that the environment and all of its appointments reflect and encourage the mission of priestly formation. Among the highlights are a hand-carved oak statue of the Mary, Mother of Priest presenting the Christ Child for adoration, a Cosmatesque masterpiece based on a medieval Tabernacle from the Church of Santa Sabina on the Aventine and a hand painted mural with a gold-leafed reproduction of the Mosaic of the Cross, Vine and the Branches depicted in the ancient Church of San Clemente.

To help offset the cost of such an extensive renovation, our firm worked closely with the ICTE to develop a very successful fundraising campaign, including a custom-made brochure that helped raise funds for the project. Patrons were invited to make donations in their name or in memory of loved ones that would then proudly be displayed in the Chapel, and they did so with an astonishing selflessness. Rolf R. Rohn donated several items for the Chapel.

Rohn and Associates Design, Inc. was also pleased to help to sponsor the "Rector's Album” for the North American College’s Rector's Dinner on April 15th. The largest Rector’s Dinner to date, with close to 500 guests gathered at the Janiculum Hill seminary, the dinner honored Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and the Honorable Francis and Mrs. Kathleen Rooney with the annual Rector’s Award for their generous support in training seminarians for future leadership in the Catholic Church in the United States.
http://www.pnac.org/2010/04/rectors-dinner-words-of-gratitude-and-photos/

The dedication for the completed Chapel will be held in June 2010.

Courtyard photo courtesy of the Pontifical North American College

The most rewarding part of designing Sacred Art....

2010-05-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

....after all, the best reward when completing a work of art in our studio is to be a part of the ministries of the Catholic Church through our art.
Recently we received a very nice letter from Father Don of The Capuchin Friars College in Papua New Guinea, San Damiano, in appreciation of the cross we designed for them in honor of their priests... we are very touched by his letter. Testimonies like this gives us the strength to continue focusing in our goals, one design at a time, in faith, supporting our beloved Church.

Dear Rolf & Francesca, Pace e bene! Happy Easter! A few days after your email arrived... I received a call from the builder saying that they needed to see the San Damiano stained-glass window. I have been very protective and cautious about the window and so it has been safely stored until it needed to be opened... So I rushed to where the window was being stored and they began to open the crate. Our vice-provincial was also here so he came along. The architect also happened to be here for a meeting and so he was there too for the grand opening.... When they finally got the crate opened and the crucifix was removed... a great, reverential hush came over everyone ... like in church or in a museum or something... it was really amazing. We were all awe-struck by the beauty of the window... I practically had to choke back the tears – I was overwhelmed. The beauty of the colors, the detail... it was as if we were all transported to the little hermitage of San Damiano in the 1200’s when Saint Francis first prayed there... It was a religious experience for all of us.... The builder says that he thinks that in about three weeks we will be at the half way mark. They would like to finish the project by September... They are not ready to place the window yet... I will keep you informed about that... When the whole chapel and other buildings are to be dedicated, I will let you all know... If you are anywhere in this part of the world, it would be wonderful to have you here... but if not you will be here in spirit.... and you will always be here through the awesome beauty of this exquisite piece of sacred art. Wishing you abundant blessings on you, your families, your companies and all your endeavours and plans. Love and prayers, Fr. Don, ofm cap.

All I can say is: I can't wait to see them complete their Seminary and we wish them all the success in the world!

The Houston Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

2010-02-23T14:04:00.000-08:00

We were extremely pleased to find that our Liturgical Design work at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, TX, has caught the attention of renowned Professor, Dr. Nikos Salingaros, who made glowing mention of it in an Italian architecture magazine. His years of professional architectural experience, published books, and awards enabled him to write this analytical article about the beautiful and unique design of the Co-Cathedral. We have worked with many great people from Italy over the years on various projects and we are excited that their hard work and talent in the States is being showcased in their homes, as well.

From the Italian magazine: Ciessa Oggi, edition # 87
Prof. Nikos Salìngaros

" An intelligent and sensitive architect can use them in a contemporary context with great success, and that is what has been achieved here. Tried-and-true methods are used to design a building that is solid on tradition, reassuring in presenting the Church of tradition to the faithful.

The Houston Cathedral has an unexpectedly non-traditional aspect when examined more closely. It feels like a building from the Vienna Secession: rich materials, yes, but also planes that are not filled in, and abstraction in its volumes. This is not a traditional building by far. It is not a Cathedral that any of my friends who design traditional churches would have built. They would have stuck to more of a traditional style in all the details (with magnificent results by the way). Here, instead the architects have achieved a harmonious result by pushing traditional typologies and ornamentation as far toward modernism as is possible to go without losing everything. We are reminded of the Vienna Secession and Art Deco, that glorious flowering of innovative architecture just before architects eliminated every vestige of tradition (and most of the architectural rules that touch us in a healing manner). I am forced to revise my initial hasty opinion and declare this building highly innovative. The innovation is employed to give a very positive impression: this is the reason the building looks comfortable; it looks traditional even when it is actually not. I am impressed by the result and warn other observers not to be taken in by a superficial judgment.

Harmonious ornamentation achieved through multiple symmetries nourishes our senses and creates in us a healing state. As human beings, we always anthropomorphize our gods, and expect that they share our own higher pleasures. For this reason, our love of God moves us to ornament the place where we worship, and to do so in a totally selfless manner. We wish to create an environment of maximal transcendent pleasure using an understanding that arises from our own physical experience.

Most important, I see a fundamental humility in the Houston Cathedral, quite a feat expressed in such a large and imposing building, and in my mind, this modesty is closer to the early Church doctrine. "
Photos by Aker/Zvonkovic Photography. All rights reserved.

from DiBaio Editore
www.dibaio.com

In Honor of the Year for Priests

2010-02-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

Pope Benedict XVI declared to begin with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009

The San Damiano Cross in Honor of the Priests
Created for the Capuchin Friars College in Papua New Guinea

We at Rohn and Associates Design were honored to receive the following letter of thanks from our dear friend Fr. Donald Lippert in Papua New Guinea. Being able to share in his faith, and the faith of everyone we work with, through the creation of art and liturgical design, is truly the best part of this work. We are blessed and grateful that we have the opportunity to do this on a daily basis and hope to be a part of many more of these stories in the future.

8 December 2009

Dear Rolf (and company),

Peace and goodness! We are drawn to remember you with admiration and gratitude as we remember your magnificent gift of the San Damiano Crucifix stained-glass window for our new Chapel at Capuchin Friars College here at our mission in Papua New Guinea. The San Damiano window is without a doubt the artistic and spiritual centerpiece and cornerstone of our major building project.

The San Damiano Crucifix was instrumental in the early vocation of Saint Francis of Assisi. It was while praying in front of this crucifix that Christ spoke to the young Francis instructing him to ‘rebuild my church’. I firmly believe that the San Damiano stained-glass window will also ‘speak’ to the hearts of future generations of young Capuchin-Franciscans who also wish to respond to the loving call of the crucified Lord to build-up the church in this far away land. Your colleagues have created an amazing masterpiece of sacred art whose stunning beauty and awesome detail bring the cross to life when illumined by the rays of the sun.

There is no way to thank-you for such a gift that will continue to give and inspire for generations to come! What I can promise however, is a constant and unbroken remembrance in grateful and fervent prayer for you and your family and associates each time we gaze upon the beauty of the San Damiano Crucifix stained-glass window during the hours we spend each day in prayer and meditation.

Gratefully yours in Christ,

Fr. Donald F. Lippert, O.F.M. Cap.
Rector

We would like to thank Fr. Donald Lippert and all Priests for their years of service, guidance and friendship in the past and especially in this year for Priests that will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of Priests with the Holy Father from June 9-11, 2010. Finally, we would also like to offer them this prayer from the Chalice Ministry at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Ft. Worth, TX that they will always be faithful to their sacred calling.

“Lord, guide all who are seeking you, may your spirit direct all who are called to a religious vocation and strengthen those who have committed themselves to priesthood or the religious life. Inspire men and women to serve your church and keep us all in your grace.”

Amen

Bishops Visit San Antonio's Rohn Studios

2010-01-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

The Houston Archbishop who led the construction of the new Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart stopped by the Rohn Studios in San Antonio for an impromptu visit on January 5, 2010. Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Fiorenza of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston admired the work of the company's artists during his tour.

While serving as Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, Fiorenza selected Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. as the liturgical design firm for the collosal and beautiful new Co-Cathedral located in downtown Houston.

Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Vincent Rizzotto of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston joined his close friend on the tour.

The two bishops met with Rohn & Associates staff and praised the company's work and historic location in downtown San Antonio.

The bishops were in San Antonio at the Oblate Renewal Center for an annual retreat of the bishops of Texas.

Stained-Glass Windows in Living Color

2009-12-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

"God called man into existence, committing to him the craftsman’s task. Through his 'artistic creativity' man appears more than ever 'in the image of God', and he accomplishes this task above all in shaping the wondrous 'material' of his own humanity and then exercising creative dominion over the universe which surrounds him."

Pope John Paul II

Letter to Artists

Stained-Glass Windows

Art in Living Color

Stained-glass windows add to a church’s beauty and warmth. Skilled artists craft and create wonderful works of art that are then illuminated by and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The art glass is not only beautiful but it also represents the sacred while educating the faithful. These brilliant images speak to us in silence as they tell the story of Our Lord, Our Holy Mother, or the saints. Every image is carefully selected to represent each church’s vision. Our team works closely with artists to help select the appropriate materials to design and craft the stained-glass windows. At St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Nassau Bay, Texas, the pastor had the vision to dedicate space and work with the Rohn & Associates liturgical design team to tell the story of the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Rohn & Associates also designed a glorious stained-glass window representation of the Last Supper for St. Paul Catholic Church. This beautiful image greets people as they enter this newly constructed church building just outside the gates of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

To highlight the significance of St. Paul, the patron saint, our artists custom-painted his life on wall behind a statue of St. Paul. The beautiful artwork inspires the faithful to draw closer to the life of this holy man.

Read recent articles about St. Paul Catholic Church Nassau Bay:

Hurricane-Damaged Cathedral Basilica Restored

2009-11-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

Teams of highly-skilled and accomplished artists from Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. have once again completed renovations to St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica in Beaumont, Texas.

This beautiful sacred site suffered more than a million dollars of extensive water damage caused by Hurricane Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Rohn & Associates originally designed and completed the restoration of the Beaumont cathedral seven years ago. Rohn's talented designers and artists transformed the Texas structure into a replica of Rome's revered Basilica of San Clemente; one of Christianity's oldest churches.

Today, Beaumont's St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica is a stop for many pilgrims. His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, recognized the liturgical glory and historical significance of St. Anthony Cathedral by proclaiming it a Minor Basilica on July 11, 2006.

Click here to visit St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica: http://stanthonycathedral.org/history.htm

St. Michael's Monastery Blooming in Texas

2009-10-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

The Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration, affiliated with EWTN and Mother Angelica of Hanceville, Alabama, have made a challenging decision to serve the San Antonio, Texas community with their presence.

The nuns met recently with liturgical consultant Rolf Rohn of Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. to help them with the preliminary stage of building their monastery.

Rolf and his team discussed their need to hire knowledgeable Catholic Church designers and artists as the nuns seek to make prayer into a reality with the Monastery of St. Michael the Archangel in San Antonio. The nuns plan to build the 300-seat chapel at the base of the Texas Hill Country.

After meeting with Rolf and his talented team the nuns visited the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of San Antonio to get a glimpse of how they have addressed the needs of their cloister.

Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. facilitated this historic meeting between San Antonio's two peaceful communities and have pledged to help them to become a permanent reflection of prayer and contemplation in the vast Texas spiritual life.

Preserving Beauty and Majesty of the Sacred

2009-10-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Under the watchful guidance of masterful liturgical consultant Rolf Rohn, thousands of pieces of white Carrara marble were put together to create rich and elegant altars, a tabernacle throne, credence tables, blessed sacrament chapel altar, ambo reredos and tabernacle throne in the Shrine of St. Padre Pio in San Antonio.

The altars are a gift to the St. Padre Pio parish community and to their pastor, Monsignor Patrick Ragsdale, from the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. They were the original altars from the iconic Chapel of the Incarnate Word built in 1907.

Rolf Rohn said, "From the old we were able to to make new more appropriate liturgical furnishings."

"We are really grateful Rohn had the capacity to design a new set of liturgical furniture from precious altars that had been with us since 1907. It is a blessing that the altar is now used in the Shrine of St. Padre Pio as part of its worship community and for all who enter this sacred space," said Sister Walter Maher of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

In addition, Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. also designed the shrine's sanctuary floor plan.

The Shrine of St. Padre Pio is the newest parish in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The parish is currently raising funds for the construction of a permanent home. The altars were re-dedicated during a beautiful liturgy by His Excellency Archbishop Jose Gomez of San Antonio.

To read more and see a slide show about Rohn's work at the Shrine of St. Padre click on the links below:

Shrine of St. Padre Pio

Today's Catholic article

St. Paul's Spiritual Journey in Nassau Bay, Texas

2009-10-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

During a beautiful liturgy, we celebrated the profound and spiritual journey in the dedication of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Nassau Bay, Texas on August 29, 2009. Led by the inspiration of Father Albert Maullon, pastor, this vibrant and traditional Catholic parish building was dedicated by His Eminence Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The beauty of this church incorporates stained glass windows from the Orion and Omega-Swan Nebula; making it the first Catholic Church to use actual images from space. The parish is located just outside the gates of NASA's Johnson Space Center. St. Paul's used the theme, "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God," as inspiration and focus before and during construction. In the picture, priests of the Archdiocese recess after the dedication Mass, including Fr. Cyriacus Onyejegbu (forefront) and Fr. Albert Maullon, (background).

During the dedication Cardinal DiNardo prayed, "Lord, fill the place with your presence, and extend your hand to all those who call upon you May your word here proclaimed and your sacraments here celebrated; strengthen the hearts of all the faithful. "

For us at Rohn, the dedication of a church is always a blessing to view the final process of a spiritual journey.

St. Joseph Goes VIRTUAL

2009-09-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

St. Joseph Catholic Church in Macon, Georgia, is one of the thousands of cathedrals, churches, chapels and monasteries designed, built, and/or renovated by Rohn & Associates and its very talented artists. St. Joseph's can be see in a stunning virtual tour by clicking here.

Catholic Iconography Lessons at Rohn Studios in Texas

2009-09-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

Msgr. James Moroney, Rector of The Cathedral of St. Paul in Worcester, Mass., explains religious iconography to Rohn's staff members and to the Poor Clare Nuns of San Antonio during a seminar at Rohn's studios. Moroney is an expert in sacred liturgy and talked about the historical significance of religious art and iconography and its role in the Roman Catholic Church.

St. Patrick's Old Cathedral-NYC Goes High-Tech

2009-09-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in New York City recently celebrated its 200th birthday. Plans call to renovate this beautiful and iconic New York landmark in 2010. Rohn & Associates recently conducted a high-definition survey scan to identify possible defects without impacting the building's integrity. In plain English it's the equivalent of doing a CAT Scan on a church.

US Bishops meet in San Antonio, Texas

2009-09-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops met in San Antonio for its Spring 2009 Meeting. About 200 bishops from the United States, including eight cardinals, converged in Texas for this special gathering. Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. provided the backdrop for the bishops general assembly hall. The images, conceived by Rohn's talented artists, showcased the Blessed Virgin Mary through the inculturated lens of Latin America. At the direction of the U.S. Bishops Conference, Rohn provided beautiful and colorful images of Our Holy Mother in the following countries:

*Peru; St. Rose of Lima with Our Lady of Mercy
*Cuba; St. Lazarus with Our Lady of El Cobre
*Brazil; St. Paulina do Coracao with Our Lady of Aparecida
*Puerto Rico; St. John the Baptists with Our Lady of Divine Providence
*Mexico; St. Juan Diego with Our Lady of Guadalupe