Every day, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is closer to being completed. However, it seems that it may be delayed beyond 2026, the original end date. The Basilica, under constant construction, is not entirely identical to the plans that its architect, Antonio Gaudí, had. Each artist who works on it leaves a small trace of his own style. Now an Artistic Commission is finalizing the details for how the reliefs, sculptures and interior images should be.
MICOL FORTI
Artistic Commission, Basilica of the Sagrada Família
The important thing is to maintain this extraordinary work as the living body that Gaudí thought of as something that would not stop after the end of his earthly life.
To decide which sculptors will finish the Basilica, the Artistic and Theological Commission hold competitions with very specific requirements. Their goal is to make the Basilica a truly inspiring place of worship.
MICOL FORTI
Artistic Commission, Basilica of the Sagrada Família
There is a sense of wonder that comes when we cross the threshold. Entering a great basilica, church or cathedral must not leave us indifferent. It cannot be like entering a store or office. No. It has to be something that makes us slow down and at the same time, push us to go forward. It must call me and seize me.
Forti thinks that the Sagrada Familia should be a Church open to everyone, both Christians and non-Christians. She believes that, if they have the opportunity to visit the Basilica, its beauty and contemplative nature can help them encounter God.
MICOL FORTI
Artistic Commission, Basilica of the Sagrada Família
The first thing you need to have is open doors. Never set boundaries or obstacles. It must be a place where I can sit and where I can rest, where I can just be with myself. Never create barriers and never set limits so that this time of rest can bring forth something unimaginable and new.
Forti is confident that the Sagrada Familia can help people better understand the Gospels and the most important elements of the Catholic faith as a form of catechesis. And she is not afraid of its contemporary style. On the contrary, she argues it is essential to create liturgical art today.
MICOL FORTI
Artistic Commission, Basilica of the Sagrada Família
If to make an altar, we need to insert a copy of Caravaggio or El Greco or Murillo...I have a problem because it means that I am not able to do it, that our time is not capable of producing a work that is the fruit of our religion and our spirituality.
As a member of the Artistic Commission, Forti argues that it is essential to finish the Sagrada Familia with its original spirit—the image of the stone church that Gaudí had imagined for generations after him.
RM
TR: KG
