Not all is gloomy with regard to Buffalo's precious and perilously vulnerable religious architectural heritage. Buffalo's Corpus Christi Church has embarked on an aggressive building restoration project which includes repair to its roof, foundations, towers and building systems. These improvements should keep this major East Side landmark in good standing against the elements for many years to come. With repairs to its slate roof complete and destructive leaks plugged, the most exciting part of the project has moved inside where restoration has begun on the magnificent ceiling mural over the altar. From the Church Web Site:
In its most high profile initiative to date, Corpus Christi Church has commissioned renowned art conservator Roman Kujawa to restore its iconic mural above the church altar. This exquisite artwork, which is a signature element of the church interior, is a rendering of a Vatican masterpiece by celebrated, Renaissance painter Raphael Santi. ...the mural was painted by Marion Rzeznik, in collaboration with Gonippo Raggi, both of whom were considered premier, 20th century artists of ecclesiastical paintings.
The public is invited to a free presentation given by Mr. Kujawa on the Disputà restoration on Sunday, March 13 at 12:30pm in the church. In addition, Martin Ederer, PhD, who is a noted lecturer, author and Assistant Professor of History at Buffalo State College will speak on the history of the Disputà and Michael McKeating, who is an attorney, author and Deacon for the Catholic Diocese, will discuss the iconography and symbolism of this artwork. This should be a fascinating event and a unique opportunity to learn more about a major art commission in the city - the type that is often taken for granted.
We are exceedingly lucky to still have Corpus Christi as an operating church and congregation. In the not too distant past its future was anything but certain. When, in 2003, the Franciscan Fathers left the church, its outlook became extremely dire. Fortunately the Pauline Fathers stepped up to take their place as church leaders. They have pumped new life into the massive church complex which now has a growing membership. Unlike many catholic churches, Corpus Christi is run independently from the Diocese of Buffalo and as such was not subject to the "Journey in Faith and Grace", which is just a nice way of saying "We are closing your church down weather you like it or not." I am told that the Diocese would almost certainly have closed Corpus Chirsti if it had not been independent. Thankfully, the Corpus Christi congregation remains as caretaker to this great building and as an anchor to a neighborhood which is in desperate need of strong local institutions like this.
Video by Broadway Fillmore Alive
youtube
Images by Chris Byrd
View image
In its most high profile initiative to date, Corpus Christi Church has commissioned renowned art conservator Roman Kujawa to restore its iconic mural above the church altar. This exquisite artwork, which is a signature element of the church interior, is a rendering of a Vatican masterpiece by celebrated, Renaissance painter Raphael Santi. ...the mural was painted by Marion Rzeznik, in collaboration with Gonippo Raggi, both of whom were considered premier, 20th century artists of ecclesiastical paintings.
The public is invited to a free presentation given by Mr. Kujawa on the Disputà restoration on Sunday, March 13 at 12:30pm in the church. In addition, Martin Ederer, PhD, who is a noted lecturer, author and Assistant Professor of History at Buffalo State College will speak on the history of the Disputà and Michael McKeating, who is an attorney, author and Deacon for the Catholic Diocese, will discuss the iconography and symbolism of this artwork. This should be a fascinating event and a unique opportunity to learn more about a major art commission in the city - the type that is often taken for granted.
We are exceedingly lucky to still have Corpus Christi as an operating church and congregation. In the not too distant past its future was anything but certain. When, in 2003, the Franciscan Fathers left the church, its outlook became extremely dire. Fortunately the Pauline Fathers stepped up to take their place as church leaders. They have pumped new life into the massive church complex which now has a growing membership. Unlike many catholic churches, Corpus Christi is run independently from the Diocese of Buffalo and as such was not subject to the "Journey in Faith and Grace", which is just a nice way of saying "We are closing your church down weather you like it or not." I am told that the Diocese would almost certainly have closed Corpus Chirsti if it had not been independent. Thankfully, the Corpus Christi congregation remains as caretaker to this great building and as an anchor to a neighborhood which is in desperate need of strong local institutions like this.
Video by Broadway Fillmore Alive
youtube
Images by Chris Byrd
![Selling [ Off ] Buffalo](http://www.buffalorising.com/assets_c/2011/02/Central-Art-deco-Buffalo-NY-thumb-145x145-18060.jpg "Selling [ Off ] Buffalo")
![[XML element 'prod_name_6' contains multiple values]](http://store.buffalorising.com/Imgs/Product_Imgs/small/sahlens_S.jpg)
Thank you for drawing attention to this restoration effort, and to this splendid church.