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A Look Inside Sleek, Ultra Modern Catholic Churches in Italy

By Kayla Chobotiuk on March 23, 2015

Chiesa Di San Giovanni, Milano. Domenica, ore 10:30

Chiesa Del Santo Volto Di Gesù, Roma. Domenica, ore 9:49

Chiesa Del Santissimo Redentore, Seriate. Domenica, ore 11:03

Italian photographers Giorgio Barrera and Niccolò Rastrelli set set out to create their series Andate in Pace as a way to give something back to Catholic Milanese churches in visual way. Inspired by the new, modern churches built after the Second Vatican Council, the photographs offer a reflection on the complex relationship between modern architecture, the church and its community of worshippers.

For two years, Barrera and Rastrelli visited churches all over Italy. By photographing from the point of view of the priest looking out into the congregation, they sought to “understand the importance of the church-goers within the architectonic space.” They would set up the camera in front of the alter and leave it there throughout the entire mass, capturing images remotely. The images depict the church as both an architectural and human space. Church buildings exist for people to get together to attend Mass and pray. Churches, therefore, are not closed spaces, but places conceived to gather up a living community.

Their choice to name the series Andate in Pace was an obvious one. At the end of every Catholic mass, whether you’re in Italy or America, the priest will close his sermon with the same three words: go in peace. (Or ‘andate in pace’ in Italian). “It’s a beautiful message the priest sends to the churchgoers,” they say. “It’s amazing to imagine that everyone leaves the church thinking of facing the world going in peace.”

Barrera and Rastrelli hope to expand their project to include American churches.

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