ST. PAUL OF THE CROSS MONASTERY

Serving as a home to the Passionist Order for more than one hundred sixty years, St. Paul of the Cross Monastery, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was built by local artisans and craftsmen. The original cornerstone was laid in 1853 after four priests arrived from Italy to help found a new community. The church served congregants well for many years, and in the fall of 2018, when the church was in disrepair and in jeopardy of being repurposed, the community found a way to save the celebrated landmark.

O'Brien & Keane not only completed the Catholic church restoration, but the firm also completely replaced the liturgical furnishings. Inside the 6,000-square-foot building, the raised sanctuary was reformed to impart the dignity and stature suitable for the sacred liturgy, in harmony with the existing architectural framework. A new ambo, altar, statue surrounds, and tabernacle were rendered by Bianco Carrara, Arabescato, and Rosso Francia marbles. Seating for the congregation, monastic community, and the presider were designed, commissioned, and crafted in white oak. New porcelain tile was installed in the nave and under the new pews. O'Brien & Keane redesigned the decorative marble-clad center aisle, and a niche in the side aisle, near the sanctuary, was repurposed as a shrine to St. Maria Goretti, featuring a marble statue of the saint. Additionally, treasured antique paintings by Hildreth Meiere depicting Passionist saints, as well as existing vintage statues, were restored to their original beauty.

Links:

St. Paul of the Cross Press Release

Photography: Becky Thurner - Thurner Photography