Before and After: Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Phoenix, Arizona

New Jerusalem Studios is a firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, which "specializes in theologically informed liturgical design for renovation and the creation of large scale sacred art murals." We have shared some of their work before and we are pleased to be able to share one of their (relatively) recent renovation projects, which nicely fits in with our continued and ever popular 'Before and After' series. 

The project was completed in 2017-2018, involving Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Phoenix, Arizona, a church that was built in the mid 1980's. The Studio provides us with a bit of background:

Fr. Sullivan approached New Jerusalem Studios in 2016 with the ambitious vision of organizing the parish around the beautiful and reverent celebration of the Sacred Liturgy and a plan for complete renovation of the interior of the church. The renovation included new tile in the sanctuary and nave, redesigned stone altar, ambo, and altar of repose as well as stone architectural elements, coffered ceiling and lighting design, refinished pews, and mural work.

The mural work is anchored by the prominent central figure of the Sacred Heart of Jesus presented as True High Priest and King of the Universe, surrounded by the 6 winged Seraphim in a 9-fold presentation, and flanked on left and right by the Archangels Gabriel and Michael. The Christ figure is placed at the center of a large circle representing the locus of Divine Life radiating as spears of golden light. The image also features depictions of the restored cosmos and Garden of Eden, represented by geometrically pattered stars and stylized local flora. Above the altar, complementing the central figure of Christ, and completing the Trinitarian representation, is the burst of light and cloud, representing God the Father and a sacramental image of the Holy Spirit descending as a dove.

Radiating from the center of all the images is the light and energy source of the entire work. The tabernacle niche features a pure gold leaf field enveloping two adoring angels, positioned as the fulfillment of the Cherubim of the Old Covenant, protecting God's presence in the Arc of the Covenant. Here, the angels protect and watch over the new place of God's presence in the Eucharistic Tabernacle. The etched floral pattern on the gold leaf field, gives an obvious clue to the thematic foundation of the mural work; the pattern evokes the miraculous floral image which is a part of the Tilma of Juan Diego. The color palette for the mural work and several thematic elements are drawn from the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a beloved devotion in the parish of Sacred Heart. 

As always, we begin with a look at the 'before' of the parish as it stood prior to these renovations.

BEFORE

As you can see, the church's architecture follows a style and plan that became popular in the 1980's and 1990's, with the pews radiating out from the sanctuary in a semi-circular, fan like shape.   Make no mistake, this can be a challenging type of liturgical-architectural space to 'reform.' 

AFTER - FIRST STAGE

This next photo presents the beginning of the renovations prior to the addition of the murals. Here we see the redesigned altar, ambo, as well as the new sanctuary pavement and architectural arches around the entryways to the sanctuary as well as the tabernacle. One can already see how even changes such as these alone have made a notable impact on the overall feel of the space. (The ceiling here, however, still remains in its original form. That will change shortly.)

AFTER - SECOND STAGE

Here now, we get into the crux of the work by New Jerusalem Studios, with the addition of a beautiful mural painting of Christ the King and High Priest. Christ is surrounded by the two archangels. Above, an image of dove representing the Holy Spirit.  For those looking for it, I would note that here in this photo the tabernacle has been temporarily removed, but one can see where it is intended sit (as it indeed now does), surrounded by a field of gold and two adoring angels. We can also better see here the new altar and ambo, which have a far more classic, substantial and noble appearance. 

The place where the tabernacle will come to be installed

Detail of the image of the Holy Spirt found on the sanctuary ceiling

Detail of the image of Christ the King and High Priest

One of the two symbolic palms (bearing fruit) found within the sanctuary at its base, lilies. Symbols of victory over death.

Part of the current phase of the project also included the addition decorative stencilling along the walls of the nave, including a cuboid pattern -- something that we can find examples of in earlier centures.

Certainly I think our readers will agree that these various modifications, from the small architectural changes to the more substantial decorative, painting, have substantially improved this church as a place of worship and prayer.

If you are interested in learning more about the work of New Jerusalem Studios, please see their website or visit them on social media.

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