October 6, 2015

When Bishop Brendan declared his intention to hold a Diocesan Synod he stated in the Pastoral Letter entitled ‘Together In Mission’ that “It is my hope that this process leading up to the Synod over the next year and a half will involve as many as possible throughout the diocese.”

In this spirit Bishop Brendan is delighted to invite architect Niall McLaughlin to Limerick on Wednesday October 7^th and invite you to come to one or both sessions with Niall on that date.

Niall McLaughlin is a London based, Irish educated, architect who won Young British Architect of the Year in 1998. His designs have won many awards in the UK, Ireland and the US. Niall is a visiting professor of architecture at University College London and a Member of the Architectural Review Editorial Board. He was chair of the RIBA Awards Group from 2007-2009

 

“Creating Space for Worship 
Lessons for Life from Architecture”

An illustrated lecture by Niall McLaughlin

6.00 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. in The Strand Hotel, October 7^th

 

Niall McLaughlin’s Church designs have recently been acclaimed, both in specialist journals and in leading British newspapers. His liturgical influences include the work of the German architect Rudolf Schwarz who himself was influenced by Fr Romano Guardini. Guardini was a major influence on the movement for liturgical renewal and reform which found expression in Vatican II. Among those who were influenced by Guardini was Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict) and Jorge Mario Bergoglio (now Pope Francis) who began work on a doctoral dissertation on Guardini which for some reason he never completed. This evening will be of particular interest to those who have an interest in the arts, architecure, liturgy, worship and of course to Synod delegates.

 

“Creating Space for Community 
A  conversation with Niall McLaughlin”

      A lunchtime seminar (from 1p.m. to 3.00p.) in The Strand Hotel, October 7^th

A light lunch of tea and sandwiches will be provided

 

The Limerick Diocesan Synod organisers decided that the presence of Niall McLaughlin in Limerick gives an opportunity to arrange a lunchtime gathering for those with a particular interest in Niall’s architectural work to meet and discuss his work with him.

 

Niall’s work is wide ranging and included in his presentation will be some of his work on churches. This seminar will be of special interest to both professionals and students in the fields of architecture, art, engineering, planning and members of the Limerick City community with an interest in its development.

In this connection Pope Francis wrote in Evangelii Gaudium:

It is curious that God’s revelation tells us that the fullness of humanity and of history is realized in a city. We need to look at our cities with a contemplative gaze, a gaze of faith which sees God dwelling in their homes, in their streets and squares. … In cities, as opposed to the countryside, the religious dimension of life is expressed by different lifestyles, daily rhythms linked to places and people. … This challenges us to imagine innovative spaces and possibilities for prayer and communion which are more attractive and meaningful for city dwellers.