When tasked with restoring St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church in their hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Liturgical Designer Rolf Rohn and Liturgical Interior Designer Kathy Maglicco from Rohn and Associates Design aimed to create an inspiring and harmonious setting, emphasizing its new open floor plan. Positioned atop a sunny knoll overlooking a pastoral field, this sacred place welcomes those seeking the presence of God. The church incorporates a diverse array of organic forms, spaces, and echoes of historic church architecture. It blends rugged fieldstone inside and out, reminiscent of early church traditions, with exposed steel columns, girders, and trusses that add a distinct Pittsburgh touch. Once dimly lit, the interior now bathes in natural light, creating a bright, warm, and inviting atmosphere.
Working closely with Reverend Michael Caridi, his team, and Architect Lou Astorino, Rolf and Kathy designed custom liturgical furniture, appointments, and finishes to uphold the environment's integrity, hospitality, and spiritual uplift, all in service of the community's worship of Almighty God. The furniture draws inspiration from an Old World-style stone column near the sanctuary entrance, harmonizing with the space and emphasizing the altar as the focus of Christ-centered worship. The original baptismal font inspired an intricate grapevine pattern replicated on new wood furniture and appointments, adding a timeless touch.
The Italian-crafted, bronze tabernacle door and carved-oak ambry door, along with the marble altar and ambo, Deacon’s chair, and red and gold Presider’s chair, invite contemplation of the Paschal Mystery. These furnishings are crafted from substantial, earthy materials and designed to foster reflection. Rolf and his staff meticulously restored the baptismal font, now crowned with 23k gold leaf and resting on a bronze stone base. They also introduced new brushed bronze appointments with carved-wood grapevine motifs to match the furniture. This included a gold-leafed processional cross bearing a silver crucifix, an altar cross, processional torches, altar candles, and a sanctuary lamp.
Artist Renate Rohn enhanced all artwork, including a new hanging crucifix, using serene tones and gilding to enhance the space's beauty and convey profound spirituality. She restored and refinished the original Mary and Joseph statues at the front of the church, as well as the Blessed Mother statue. Renate also painted the new patron saint statue at the entrance, creating a welcoming presence for parishioners. The original wood Stations of the Cross were similarly refurbished in complementary colors and accents, harmonizing with the overall artwork and sanctuary decor. A hand-carved relief of the Holy Spirit, adorned with gold leaf and patina, now graces the upper right corner, reminding worshippers of their participation in the Heavenly Liturgy.
Comments
Post a Comment