Our Lady of Lebanon

The brief was to build a church that depicts the architectural characteristics of the early Christian churches in Lebanon.

Inspired by the most beautiful church in the ancient city of Jbeil in Lebanon which was built in 1115AD by the Crusaders; a beautiful Romanesque church .

Perception is proud of the fact that his church has been widely acclaimed for its architectural magnificence and is the subject of publications (Building Africa, September 2002, Vol 2 No. 9 and Planning – Architectural &Planning Review for Southern Africa, October 2003)

“The Simplicity of architecture in the Shrine of Our Lady enhances the feeling of spirituality exudes warmth and comfort. This feeling is further enhanced by the symbolic spiral design of the shrine. The Domes and arches, too, which are evident in the shrine as well as the church building are reminiscent of traditional early Christianity in the Middle East (Antioch)”

“To enable the designer and the contractor to achieve the ancient stone look hewn out the mountains of Lebanon. For the Material used an innovative approach was taken: a carved plaster technique. This cost –effective technique has been employed both externally and internally, so as the interior floors are roughly plastered and tinted, again heightening the effect of humility and age –old tradition “

Prominent features in the shrine and the church:

“Light is very important to the Maronite faith. The scriptures teach the faithful that the primordial light was the first creation of God and thus the universe.  God is portrayed as the ‘Father of Lights’ and ‘Christ is the Light of the World’. For this reason, both natural light and candle light are very important to the Maronites. A candle grotto   where the candles for the church and shrine are prepared, is positioned halfway along the spiral staircase. The staircase leading to Our Lady is lit along the way to the top.”  “The 4,5 m tall plastered statue of Our Lady rotates every fifteen minutes”.

“Other features of the church that reflect early Christian tradition include the stained glass windows, the windows in the domed section, the Corinthian columns, the large baptismal font that is located at the entrance and the large bells in the bell tower”

The Maronite temple styles, floor plan and liturgical furniture express the monastic spirit .

The three focal points:

• Bema – A raised half dome which encircles the altar.
• Altar – Eucharist – a consecrated table from which the Divine food (Eucharist) is offered as nourishment to the believers.
• East Apse- Kingdom – the place of the rising sun, which reminds believers that Jesus is the Light of the world who will come in glory .

Jocelyne Mazaham designed the church to celebrate the awesome greatness of God.  By the integration of symbols through the architecture, artworks, statues, stained glass windows and carvings, the spirituality and traditions of ancient Christianity are captured.

This magnificent church will always be regarded as one of Perception’s greatest achievements.