Liturgical furniture
Explanation by architect Jean JOLIVEL
The furniture was designed by Sister Michel-Angela Ballan, of the Disciples of the Divine Master, Milan. She works as an architect for the construction and furnishing of new churches. A member of Milan’s Diocesan Commission for Sacred Art for some ten years, she knows both the Ambrosian rite (the ancient, Eastern-inspired rite preserved in Milan) and the ‘Roman’ rite used in most of the Church.
A church is built around the altar, which is the sacrificial place par excellence, the place where God is present and meets his people. Ecclesiastical typology for the exercise of its ministries is articulated principally around two areas: the presbytery and the nave, i.e. the space reserved for the congregation.
The space of the presbyterium is articulated around the three fundamental signs
that mark the unfolding of the Eucharistic rite:
Altar
It is the sign of Christ. It is the place of Sacrifice.
The upward-opening line gives shape to this monolithic sculpture of "golden stone", and expresses the strength and power that arise from Christ's sacrifice to regenerate the baptized into new life. "By the power of the Spirit, we become his body and members". The lines on the sculpture's two main sides are designed to convey the Spirit's presence in the sacramental action. This is the reason for the allusion to the explosion of thunder and the wings of a dove spreading out over the life of the Church.
Ambon
A place for the proclamation of the Word.
The monolithic sculpture in "golden stone" follows the circular line of the tier by narrowing the form. Its vertical volumes are deliberately interrupted by lines that graphically allude to the sinking of a sail, in order to express that our faith is based on the foundation of God's Word: "On your Word I will cast the net". (Luke 5:5). Christ and his Word are our strength in the shipwreck of our lives.
Chairmanship seat
Place where one of the priests presides.
The priest is the one who presides over the community's prayer.
The wooden seat follows the circular line of the apse.
In our chapel, these constituent elements of liturgical celebration are inscribed in the architecture, because they fit harmoniously into the soft, golden, vibrant tones of the material itself. The same is true of the sobriety suggested by the shapes of these elements and the signs they represent.
Plus…
The Tabernacle
Place where the Blessed Sacrament is kept. It is characterized by two elements:
- The ormolu chest and door decorated with three polished African malachite stones.
- The crown is made of hand-carved soapstone with gold inserts.
Variations in tonality are due to the different workmanship of the stone. The overall line is reminiscent of the arch of the stained glass windows. The Eucharistic symbols of wheat and grapes are also graphically present on this tabernacle façade.
In the background, the tabernacle has its own illumination according to the liturgical seasons: Advent and Lent(purple), Ordinary(green), Feasts and Solemnities(white, red).
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Contribution to the Mass
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Lighting a candle
Candles burn ceaselessly, symbolizing our prayers and thanksgiving for our lives to become light.
Prayer intention
Saint Rita, patron saint of lost causes, welcomes your intentions and thanks, and may fraternal charity strengthen our prayer.