Our Lady of Dallas: Beautiful Drama of Light in New Crypt

Our Lady of Dallas has gained another beautiful sacred space in keeping the with the architectural success of the abbey Church built in 1992. The new crypt now nearing completion makes a clear statement about the resurrection of the dead by allowing a major slab of light to shine in and reach out toward the monks’ coffins. Strong, clean and powerful forms assembled harmoniously in natural light are a hallmark of medieval Cistercian architecture; this style has lost none of its appeal. Even in our age the famous Modernist architect Le Corbusier stated: “Architecture is a learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light.” We can only congratulate the confreres in Dallas for continuing what was so auspiciously begun with their new abbey church 25 years ago. When finished in late April, 2017, a crucifix will be affixed to the rear wall of the crypt and a simple altar will stand there as well. It is designed to be a place of burial for 96 monks who will await their resurrection there.