Why are Catholic Churches so lavish?

Answer 1

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Catholic AnswerRoman is an epithet first commonly used in England after the protestant revolt to describe the Catholic Church. It is never used by the Catholic Church. Catholicism was founded by Our Blessed Lord in the first century while He was still on this earth. For the first three centuries, Christianity was a persecuted religion and they had to use signs and be discreet about practicing their religion. After it became legal in the early fourth century, it grew rapidly, but, for the most part, people could not read. Bibles were very rare, and very expensive, and individual Churches were hard pressed to have one copy to read the Scriptures from, and, even if there had been a complete Bible in the nice bound edition that we have today, people were unable to read it. The Church taught through many different mediums. Both in Her readings from the Scripture, along with the sermon or homily; in her stained glass windows, in the statues, and paintings on the walls and ceilings: the Church used any medium available to tell the Gospel message. If you get a chance to go into an older, ornate Church along with a knowledgeable Catholic who can guide you around, you will be amazed at the stories contained therein. Or pick up a book on St. Peter's Basilica or any other famous Church that gives complete pictures with descriptions. It was truly wonderful that ways that the Church found to teach the lessons from the Gospel to the common man.

Catholic Churches are decorated in honour of various liturgical seasons, feast days, or other specific events (such as marriages).

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AnswerRoman Catholic churches are very decorated. There are stain glass windows, statues, and the Stations of the Cross. A lot of times there are cravings and painted frescoes on the walls and ceilings. Sometimes gold is used on the alter and other objects. Some of the churches I have been in take your breath away because of the art and it is hard to take in all of it. Many of the ancient Roman churches also have mosaics that look like paintings. The St. Peters in the Vatican has mosaics all through the church as well as on the floor. The greatest Catholic chapel is the Sistine that is painted from floor to ceiling with the art of Michelangelo in frescoes.

Answer 2

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Catholic AnswerCatholic Churches are built as THE BEST that we can offer to God. As God is so far beyond us, and as we possess nothing that isn't a gift from Him. There is absolutely nothing that we can do that can even come close to the magnificence that is owed to Him, but we do our humble best.