Saint Lucas church, Rome

Abstract

It is difficult to know what is the true source of the harmony which this church exhibits, for it has many powerful and inspiring features, such as the strong contrasts in light and shade of the roof, the broken surface of the end wall, the candour of the presbytery marble, the many tones of the light passing through the glazing, the sober ornaments of the pulpit, the altar, and the balustrade, beautifully designed in a modern style. All these harmonise well together, in gentle, restrained, spontaneous tones. This is a church from which one tends to walk out on tip toe, not to break its subdued, misterious charm. The external aspect is appreciated better after having been inside this church. The soberness and coherence of its external elevations clearly enhance the nature of this building as a «sacred island» in the midst of a district where the everyday language is far more worldly. In religious architecture success has nothing to do with approval by the critics or even by the mass of the people. What matters is that the faithful shall feel satisfied: that they can pray with devotion inside a building. By this standard. Saint Lucas Church is highly successful, for here the deep thought of the designer undoubtedly serves to inspire a greater religious devotion.