Sunday, September 07, 2008 Symbols in stone By Jun Velez
IT WAS a modern church. I long wanted to write about its remarkable design. And now, I finally have, only that, the church has ceased to be “modern.”
Its pentagonal rendition in the traditional church arch and dome was true to the geometric minimalism of modern architectural design. The previous facade and interior design were devoid of ornamentation. Its columns less emphasized (except in front where a cantilever should have been), its massive concrete beams repeat in consistent pattern, its form derived from its function.
Now, the ornaments and a few columns are back in the Sto. Rosario Church. To express the church’s intended image, the design has to be referential again to the past and to the familiar symbols of the Catholic faith.
The undecorated facade is now covered by more graphic expressions of Christianity. The rose ornament on both sides and the image of the Virgin Mary, with a rosary in the middle, signify that it is a church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. At the modern belfry, an image of an angel is added, suggesting a scene from the Annunciation when Mary was informed of her motherhood, except that here Mary is already carrying the infant Jesus; a fulfillment of the prophecy.
Actually, the transformation of the church began years ago with the replacement of the image of the Risen Christ at the altar with the usual crucified Christ. In the background is a scene depicting the people who were at the crucifixion—-Roman soldiers, Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Christ.
It is wrong to say that the church has gone back to its original classical design for it has not. Like a lot of things in today’s world, it has gone postmodern. And it’s nowhere more clear than in those round concrete globes separated by tall shrubs, similar to the postmodern San Antonio Public Library in Texas, USA
Its present look we can say is more attuned to its surrounding architecture like the classic University of San Carlos building nearby.
It’s also a lot more homely now and comfortable with its earth tone floor and spruced up greenery.
