There are some altars which simply cry out for your attention. One of those is the high altar of the Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń (Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Licheńskiej) in Poland. This is particularly so because of the ciborium. It is one that I've long intended to highlight, particularly after this photo began to circulate the internet, taken from a priest's first Solemn Mass in the usus antiquior:
The basilica itself, which was designed by Barbara Bielecka, was built between 1994 and 2004 and boasts one of the tallest domes in the world.
While other aspects of the basilica do as well, the ciborium in particular qualifies as Other Modern in my estimation, for while it has strong classical components, it also bears the style and the geometry of much contemporary design.
A slightly different angle and lighting will better show it in its three dimensions:
At the top of the ciborium, one can further see the Other Modern approach in the design of the angelic figures:
One of the most striking components of the ciborium are the distinctive golden columns which are wrapped in vines and grapes. Their particular design has a very interesting visual effect that makes this particular ciborium immediately recognizable, framing the altar.
We will conclude this brief consideration by showing one further image of a Solemn Mass that was celebrated here, demonstrating yet again the great potential for Other Modern and its ability to sit in continuity with tradition.
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