Other Modern: The Basilica of Saint Rita of Cascia

It has been awhile since we've dipped our proverbial toes into the realm of the "Other Modern" and, because of that, let's once again briefly review what this concept means. Other Modern is a name that has been adopted to refer to contemporary styles of art and architecture which, on the one hand, contain the characteristics of artistic and architectural modernity, but, on the other hand, also contain characteristics and styles that are still heavily dependent upon and influenced by more classical or traditional styles.  It is, in short, a synthesis.  Often time in the realm of liturgical art in particular, these matters are turned into a zero sum game; either something is traditional, some modern and there is no in between. What 'Other Modern' demonstrates is that there is, in fact, an in between capable of balancing these two poles, allowing for a contemporary style that still has a strong traditional flavour and overall aesthetic.

With that in mind then, today I wanted to present to you the Basilica of St. Rita of Cascia, located right within the small town of Cascia.  This particular basilica was constructed between 1937-1947, and in that regard it came about during one of last periods of the Liturgical Movement which tended to be less characterized by rupturistic and archeologistic trends. 

The basilica in question is meant to be a shrine to St. Rita of Cascia, and it contains her relics.  The large number of pilgrims that were coming to venerate her relics at this period of time necessitated the construction of a much larger sanctuary and so the architect Spirito Maria Chiapetta was ultimately given that task, with architects Giuseppe Calori and Giuseppe Martinenghi later making some slight modifications to the project. 

The style of the church is a mixture of modern influences and some Byzantine influences are observable as well. Exteriorly the church is covered in a very noble limestone.

Written on the facade: "Hail Rita, vessel of love, sorrowful bride of Christ, you are born from the thorns of the Saviour, beautiful like a rose"

It is the interior, however, where the real Other Modern aspects are felt.  The layout is rather unique, following the tetraconch model -- that is, four apses located in each of the four cardinal directions of the building. (A Byzantine architectural influence.)  Striking columns of emerald green with gold gilding also punctuate the interior. It is the frescoes, however, that are the most striking. 

The main fresco is also done in a sort of neo-Byzantine style, painted by the Italian painter, Luigi Montanarini. It is characterized by its striking blue background and it depicts "the glory of the Augustinian saints" and included within are various images of Augustinian saints, including St. Augustine as well as St. Rita herself of course.  

A closer look at the frescoes will show you the strongly Other Modern style of the depictions.

Within the other apsidal spaces can be found other frescoes, showcasing scenes of Christ and St. Rita, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin and the Adoration of the Cross. A closer look at these compositions will likewise lend one a strong sense of the Other Modern approach to sacred art, for on the one hand they are certainly contemporary in style, while on the other hand they borrow heavily from the Church's iconographic and artistic tradition. 

Left apse: Christ enthroned with Saint Rita, by Ferruccio Ferrazzi

Right apse: The Assumption by Giuseppe Valerio Egger

Entrance apse: Silvio Consadori, The Adoration of the Cross, 1956

The basilica is really quite a striking example of this early twentieth century approach, Naturally, many of our readers may well personally prefer other historical styles over Other Modern, but the point here is not about our own personal preferences; it it rather about the ability of approaches such as these to render themselves successfully as noble and appropriate pieces of liturgical art that are suited to the dignity of the sacred liturgy. Whatever your own respective tastes, I believe that has been accomplished here. 

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