Every Catholic Church on earth is a truly sacred space. The Catechism states that “Christians construct buildings for divine worship. These visible churches are not simply gathering places but signify and make visible the Church living in this place, the dwelling of God with men reconciled and united in Christ” (CCC 1180).
Since physical Catholic churches truly house God the Son in the Most Holy Eucharist, it follows that those who love God would desire to construct for Him the most beautiful spaces possible, to fittingly reflect His sacred and real presence.
Through the ages, Christian nations constructed for God’s glory marvels of art and architecture that even today take our breath away and leave us awestruck.
In this lesson, students will encounter the magnificent Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, and learn about some of the artistic and architectural marvels it contains. They will then reflect on their experience of it, and discuss how the architectural beauty of the basilica affirms, celebrates, or illuminates our Holy Catholic Faith.