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Novy Dvur

(Via Fr. Jim Tucker) The Telegraph reports on the new monastery at Novy Dvur.

I have to say I rather like it. My only issue is that it ought to have a giant, massive crucifix floating above the altar. I know the whole point is supposed to be minimalism and absence but it’s ridiculous for the central feature of a church to be the absence of anything. The central feature of both The Church and any church should be Christ. So put some Christ into it.

Or perhaps if the entirety of the church were to be covered wall to wall in great pulchritudinous and polychromatic murals except the sanctuary, which would remain completely blank and white, thus focusing on the other-ness of the Eucharistic sacrifice compared to our world.

More photos.

The cloister.

Another view of the monastery church.

Photos are from the architect.

Published at 4:57 pm on Monday 6 September 2004. Categories: Architecture Bohemia Church.
Comments

cistercian architecture is traditionally pared down to reflect the simplicity & ascetiscim of the order. hence little-to-no statues, stained glass, etc. while i prefer the monastery of st. joseph’s abbey in spencer, massachusetts, i have to say novy dvur is *simply fabulous.*

— jeron 5 Sep 2006 4:15 pm

Recently you have written about a monastery in the Czech Republic, and gave it your approval. Though you commented on the missing crucifix. If this abbey is anything like the Abbey of Gethsemane in Trappist, Kentucky (and final home of Thomas Merton), then the crucifix is brought in on a standard. At Gethsemane, the austere interior design and architecture actually does give incredible focus on that which you lament is missing.

Also your images appear to be from CAD images and are not actual photographs from the actual place.

Though this minimalism may seem inadequate to yourself and your predilections regarding sacred architecture and its functionality, it does indeed serve greatly the spiritual needs of the members of these orders, and others.

You ask that one should behave accordingly. I concur, And I extend that invitation to all members of my Catholic Church of the Latin Rite, in how we conduct ourselves regarding all spiritual manners, with respect and decorum for all, and to challenge ourselves to find the face of Christ, especially in those with whom we find it hard to understand or to show respect.

Peace. God Bless.

C. A. Chase

— Mr. Chase 15 Nov 2007 8:40 am
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