Rohn Assistant Part of Winning Team for Liturgical Furniture Design at US Papal Visit

Photos courtesy of Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard, Archdiocese of Washington

Rohn and Associates Design, Inc. proudly announces that team member Matthew Hoffman was part of the winning group of Catholic University architecture students that conceived the altar, ambo, and other liturgical furniture in honor of Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Washington, DC, this fall. A papal Mass featuring this furniture will be held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman Catholic Church in the United States.

“Designing great and worthy churches is the reason I want to be an architect,” said Matthew, a design assistant who earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a minor in Theology. His journey toward becoming a sacred architect began in third grade, and he considers designing a sacred space for the Holy Father a tremendous honor and blessing.

Hoffman, who drew inspiration from visiting 226 churches throughout Italy, has contributed to notable Rohn projects, including the Holy Name Cathedral in Steubenville, OH, and the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in NYC. He is currently involved in the master upgrade of the Pontifical North American College chapel in Rome, Italy, traveling there to verify field measurements and document it for further proposals.

“There is no doubt that Matthew will one day design a basilica or cathedral of great magnitude,” said Rolf Rohn, Principal. “We are thrilled that he will continue to bring his brilliance to Rohn and Associates Design.”