ST. PAUL'S CHURCH - THE STORY OF THE CHURCH ARCHITECTURE
The Liturgical Meaning of this Unusual Building
Some people may not realize it, but the new St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission is not only unique in the Valley for its contemporary design, but is an adventure in the use of Texas, Valley, European, and Mexican artistic talent.
The personality behind this venture is the Pastor, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Dan A. Laning, who wished to erect a building that would exemplify the meaning of the Liturgy of the Catholic Church.
The Church itself was developed by Joseph Draker, an architect from San Antonio, Texas, from sketches and ideas supplied by the Pastor. Others contributing their original works of art are Mrs. Ann Doffing, who executed the mosaics; Ismael Soto of Austin, a graduate of the University of Texas Art Department, who created the ceramics on metal; Frank Scalise of McAllen, who fabricated the ornamental metal work; A. Laubner of the Technological Institute of Monterrey, Mexico, who created a porcelain figure in the Shrine of All Saints; and Bavarian wood carvers.
THE SANCTUARY
Immediately upon entering the Church, the attention is drawn to the Sanctuary. The flamelike retablos of mid-night blue Venetian mosaic tile studded with gold crosses create the impression of limitless suspended infinity.
In front is the main Altar: a simple table of gray marble and onyx in soft yellows and browns, surmounted by a cylindrical bronze Tabernacle. The marble and onyx are from Mexico. Suspended above the Altar and Crucifixion group is a huge crown, 8 feet in diameter and 3 feet high, made of aluminum, copper, and brass.
On the north and south walls of the retablo are four mosaics in brilliant red. These depict the four Evangelists: Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The Altar Railing, also of gray marble, is wide enough to express its purpose, “the table of the Lord.” The liturgical significance of the Sanctuary is the unceasing offering of God’s Son on the sacrificial block, the Altar, crowned with glory while His Gospel is preached till the end of time.
On the south side of the Sanctuary is the pulpit, resembling the prow of a ship, typifying “the Bark of Peter” from which Christ taught and continues to teach today.
THE BAPTISTRY
A restoration of Tradition in the Church building is found in the Baptistry. Located just inside the entrance, it compels attention as the spiritual birthplace of each member of the Church. The Baptistry is sunken one step below the general floor to remind all of St. Paul’s words: “buried with Christ in Baptism so that they may rise in glory with Him.”
The font is a cylindrical monolith of amber onyx with a ceramic-on-copper lid. The design shows many fishes against a background of water and seaweed. The Greek word “ichthys” (fish), the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet (Alpha and Omega), form an acrostic: “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.”
THE BAPTISMAL CROSS
The wall behind the Baptistry is covered with black matte tile. A mosaic cross by Mrs. Doffing is embedded into the tile. The vertical shows a burning candle, the arms contain fish, and the center shows a red Chi Rho with the five wounds. At the top is a phoenix.
This ancient Baptismal Cross symbolizes new life: the candle represents the baptized, who, through Christ’s sacrifice, become children of God, able to profess “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.”
THE WINDOWS
The windows are a fretted design of cast-stone blocks, each block featuring a cross and a circle. More than 1,500 blocks are filled with hand-made stained glass. This repeated design conveys the eternal Cross of Christ — “yesterday, today, and forever” — with the glory of Heaven shining in stained glass.
THE CEILING AND FLOOR
The “lamella” ceiling construction features crisscrossing wooden beams like stars traveling in perfect paths, representing God’s design. On the floor, black and white onyx terrazzo tiles mirror the ceiling, showing infinite order both above and below.
SIDE CHAPELS & SHRINE OF ALL SAINTS
In keeping with a Christ-centered Church, there are no side altars. Instead, chapels outside the Communion rail serve this role. The north chapel honors St. Paul. The south wall contains the Shrine of All Saints, exemplifying the “Communion of Saints.”
A porcelain shrine depicts Christ among branches of a wrought-iron rose bush. Carvings, statues, and relics surround it. This unique artwork was executed by Frank Scalise, with contributions from Rome and A. Laubner.
UNIVERSALITY OF THE CHURCH
The materials used show the universality of the Church:
Venetian mosaics and statues from Italy and Vatican City
Marble and onyx from Mexico
Wood carvings from Bavaria
Ironwork by Frank Scalise of McAllen, TX
Ceramics by Ismael Soto
Pew wood from Africa
Semi-precious mosaic stones by Mrs. Ann Doffing
Floors by Pino and Cattaruso
Liturgy is expressed in the diverse contributions forming one beautiful building—St. Paul’s Church.