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Almuzara Presents God’s Mercy Reflected in Gaudí’s Work in Rome

February 22, 2025 Rome, Italy ACI Stampa

“The Sagrada Familia is a spiritual itinerary, a catechesis in stone that leads us to God.”

— José Manuel Almuzara

José Manuel Almuzara, president of the Association for the Beatification of Gaudí, led a conference in Rome on Gaudí’s Testimony in the Year of Mercy. The expert highlighted how the architecture of the Servant of God reflects divine charity and forgiveness. He emphasized that Gaudí’s magnum opus is an authentic “catechesis in stone”.

The meeting took place at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Italy. José Manuel Almuzara was the main speaker, bringing the message of Antoni Gaudí’s sanctity to the capital of Christendom. The conference was held within the framework of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy convened by Pope Francis. The specific title was “Gaudí’s Testimony in the Year of Mercy,” connecting the architect’s life with the central theme of the Church.

Almuzara, as president of the Association for the Beatification of Gaudí, emphasized that the Catalan architect’s life was a path of profound conversion. He recalled that Gaudí transitioned from a deistic youth to an ardent Catholic faith coherent with the Gospel. This transformation was directly reflected in his work, especially in the Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia. For Almuzara, Gaudí’s architecture is not merely art, but a tool for evangelization and piety.

“His life is a testament to faith, conversion, and profound coherence with the Gospel.”

The expert explained the direct relationship between Gaudí’s work and the concept of God’s Mercy. He pointed out that every façade, every detail of the Sagrada Familia, is designed as a catechetical journey. This “spiritual itinerary” is intended to guide the visitor toward an understanding of divine love and forgiveness. Almuzara highlighted the Passion façade as an example of how Gaudí represented suffering and redemption.

The figure of Saint Joseph was another crucial point in Almuzara’s presentation, highlighting Gaudí’s devotion. The architect dedicated a large part of his life to building a temple that serves as a tribute to the earthly Holy Family. The speaker stressed that Gaudí lived charity in a concrete manner, dedicating his talent to God and neighbor until the end of his days. His commitment to the work was total, viewing it as a service and not merely an artistic expression.

“Gaudí was a man who knew how to live charity and mercy in his work and in his personal life.”

Finally, José Manuel Almuzara recalled the importance of promoting the beatification cause of the Servant of God. Gaudí’s canonization would be a recognition not only of his artistic genius but also of his profound personal holiness. He concluded that Gaudí’s legacy, especially the Sagrada Familia, remains a beacon of faith and a living testimony of Mercy. The conference served to bring this message of sanctity to a highly prestigious international forum.


📰 Artículo original: https://www.acistampa.com/amp/story/2777/almuzara-gaudi-e-la…