Client
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Scope
Sanctuary Interior Renovation and Furnishing of Liturgical Elements
Design Conceptualization
With the ideas brought forth by our client, Fr. Jose Vaughn Banal, parish priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Altadena, California, along with its parishioners, we derived the concept of designing a baroque influenced design for the its reredos or back altar screen, as well as its front altar. California has always been identified with its ‘Mission Style’ brought about by the missionaries, predominantly of Spanish colonial influence. The existing features of the church have greatly manifested these characteristics in material use and façade treatments.
The existing stained glass window feature that is prominently located at the back center of the church interior prompted our client to retain and work around it. This leaves the design to work on the lower one‐third of back wall height. The ornate design of the reredos made use of the four linear lines that radiates from three arches. In effect, the back altar serves to carry the three arches, thus, creating three bays – the center for the existing tabernacle, and the sides for images of two famous saints – Saints Peter and Paul. The tabernacle has been elevated and artificially lighted to announce its prominence, but still within arms’ reach.
Carvings are introduced into the design with Latin American twist which is common in most Mexican cities. These carvings are mostly gilded in finish with tinges of contrasting backgrounds particularly that behind the tabernacle. Relatively blank areas are made interesting with incisions of appropriately selected patterns. Since the Church is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a carving of His sacred heart is added right at the top center of reredos to clearly signify its meaning. Underneath is a mosaic design of an image of the Lamb of God.
All these features mentioned above shall run across the designs for the front altar, as well as the lecterns, and crucifix and candle holders. The concept of giving glory to God is the core element of the design and it is the basis of giving out what it best for Him in a mundane way.
