José Manuel Almuzara: Antoni Gaudí’s Work is a Bridge Between Matter and the Sacred
“If you discover the essential in Gaudí, it leads you to God.”
Architect and promoter of Gaudí’s cause for beatification, José Manuel Almuzara, explains how the Catalan genius’s work transcends technique to become a spiritual path. He reveals stories of conversion and the profound faith that drove the creation of the Sagrada Familia and other masterpieces. Almuzara emphasizes that Gaudí’s art is an invisible language that remains alive in every curve and symbol.
José Manuel Almuzara Pérez, an architect and profound scholar of Antoni Gaudí, was the guest of honor on the program “Ver más allá” (See Beyond), where he addressed the master’s spiritual dimension. Almuzara defines Gaudí not only as a genius but also as a saint, whose work was a bridge uniting matter with the sacred, earth with heaven. His fascination began 50 years ago upon meeting Gaudí’s direct disciples, which led him to study the symbolism and the Christian message hidden within his stones. He considers himself a humble instrument in the service of Providence, whose mission is to transmit the life and work of a consistent Christian.
Gaudí conceived of himself as a mere instrument in Creation, studying nature as his great teacher to extract divine laws. He placed his gifts at the service of God, his clients, and his collaborators, understanding that work must be the fruit of collaboration and based on love. This vision led him to act like an orchestra conductor who knew how to assign tasks according to the talents of each artisan, as he firmly believed that no one is useless. Furthermore, his spiritual life was sustained by daily religious practices such as Mass, communion, and praying the Rosary, which he considered his weapons for winning daily battles.
“I am simply an imperfect instrument in the hands of Providence, who uses me to transmit the life and work of a consistent Christian and a brilliant architect.”
Almuzara emphasizes that Gaudí’s work not only attracts and impacts but also converts, exemplifying the power of the “divine breath” that permeates his architecture. He explained the profound symbolism of the Sagrada Familia, such as the three doors of the façade representing the theological virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity, the latter being the central and most important one. He recounted how a Japanese sculptor, a Buddhist, converted to Catholicism in 1991 after understanding the meaning of the sculptures he was creating for the temple. Even a high-ranking South Korean government official, after seeing the work, declared that he left wanting to become Catholic, struck by its transcendent beauty.
Beyond the great architectural structures, Gaudí demonstrated his Christian heart through acts of mercy and service to others. He built schools to educate the children of the Sagrada Familia workers, seeking to train the children so they would not follow the path of church burning. He also designed a garden for the patients of a psychiatric hospital, similar to Park Güell, so they could occupy their time and find peace. This constant “diminution of the self” and thinking of others is the deepest and often least understood aspect of the genius. Gaudí encouraged people to keep fighting even in unfavorable circumstances, always trusting in Providence.
“Gaudí does not preach with words; his architecture, his plans, and his volumes lead you to God.”
Gaudí’s legacy, according to Almuzara, lies in his ability to create bridges of beauty, peace, and hope in a world in need of wonder. The architect shared the moving anecdote of a man who identified as an atheist and who, upon entering the Sagrada Familia basilica, burst into tears, struck by its beauty. As Pope Benedict XVI affirmed, Gaudí did not preach with words; rather, his plans and volumes lead directly to faith. Therefore, Almuzara continues his mission, taking Gaudí’s message to unexpected places, from prisons to disaster zones, demonstrating that beauty is man’s greatest necessity.