Modern Church Architecture

Later yesterday afternoon we visited the town of Capernaum on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This town was the home of Peter (where Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law). This town was also and also for some time (perhaps as long as two years) this the home-town of Jesus. Perhaps Jesus stayed with Peter. The home of Peter has been excavated - a home that would at least have been familiar to Jesus.

In 1984 a new Church was constructed over the octagonal Byzantine Church that had been built over the house of Peter. Many of the churches in Israel are relatively recent but built to look much older. They imitate a style which was common in Roman or Byzantine days. The 1984 Church is refreshingly authentic. It is sensitive to its surroundings (hills, lake and ruins underneath visible through glass walls and floor). Whereas tourists tend to chatter when in an old church there is something about this holy place that invites silence.
http://www.3disrael.com/north/the_modern_church.cfm

I couldn’t help but remember gratefully all the people who have (over almost fifty years since the planning began) made it possible for our own parish of Our Lady of Victories to have a modern church that raises the mind and heart to God.

John