The Historic Shrine of Saint John Neumann is one of the most important Catholic Shrines in North America. The shrine underwent renovations during the 1970’s. Like many of the liturgical renovations during that time period, a look was created that favored a more contemporary design. Oftentimes, the preferred aesthetic of the 1970’s covered over, or removed completely, liturgical elements original to the re-designed church.
The current leadership at the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann felt there was a pressing need to not only restore many of the shrine’s original elements, but to highlight the importance of Saint John Neumann’s mission.Our Liturgical Arts designers wanted to present a design that would bring new life to the shrine’s historic beauty. Our first priority was to restore the high altar, making the Eucharist the central point and focus of our design. In the new layout, the body of Saint John Neumann rests in front the Eucharist, the Source and Summit of the Church’s life…creating a dignified and befitting liturgical space. Our team would also relocate the beautiful mosaic mural of the life of Saint John Neumann to a side shrine, giving visitors a closer look at a breathtaking monument to the saint.