Carmelite Monks of Wyoming: Gothic Chapter House Apse Part 2.

Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that is structured by the guiding principles of maximum height and maximum light, brought together with an intricate and delicate aesthetic. Though it originated in France, Gothic architecture can be found in churches, cathedrals, and many other buildings in Europe and throughout the world. Gothic architecture grew out of an era imbued with a rich Catholic culture and deep, lively faith, a culture that showed its faith in material form through the magnificent cathedrals of Europe.

While the Gothic style has great variety, it is often characterized by 7 key architectural elements: pointed arches, large stained glass windows, rib vaults, flying buttresses, pinnacles and spires, elaborate entry portals, and ornate decoration. The most distinguishing characteristic of Gothic is the pointed arch, which gave it the name of Christian pointed architecture. Rather than the wide, rounded arches characteristic of Romanesque buildings, Gothic arches are tall and pointed. The pointed arch relieves some of the thrust, and therefore, the stress on other structural elements. It then becomes possible to reduce the size of the columns that support the arch.

Stained glass windows are particularly prevalent in Gothic cathedrals. Featuring meticulously cut colored glass, these kaleidoscopic windows—which are typically either tall and arched ‘lancet’ windows or round ‘rose’ windows—are significantly larger than those found in other types of churches. In order to incorporate the higher ceilings and taller windows, rib vaulting was born. In the vault, the pointed arch could be seen in three dimensions where the ribbed vaulting met in the center of the ceiling of each bay. These Gothic rib vaults were made of arched ribs that crossed diagonally, thereby taking much of the weight.

Ribs of stone are placed at the intersections of the crossing vaults, creating a delicate and lace-like expanse. These ribs while adding a decorative aesthetic also greatly increase the strength of the vaults and the ease with which they are built. Gothic also employs another unique method of structural support: flying buttresses. These projecting stone structures reinforce the buildings by directing the thrust from the vaults away from the walls of glass and into outer supports. They ensure the strength of the building while at the same time increasing the delicate look of the entire composition.

Spires are tapering architectural elements that complete the bell tower or façade towers. Openwork spires are perhaps the most common; this elaborate spire consists of lace-like stone tracery. The Gothic elements of Pinnacles, though very similar to spires, tends to be much smaller and topped the buttresses.

With an interior so otherworldly, Gothic builders strive to make the entrance into such a space a fitting portal. These deep and heavily decorated features act as that entrance, bringing the faithful into the interior of the church and at the same time educating them as to the purpose of the building.

A final feature found in Gothic architecture is the proliferation of ornate decorative elements. Gothic ornamentation takes its inspiration from nature. Columns sprout leafy capitals; vines twist along screens. It seems that every surface is full of budding flowers, crawling animals, and intricate patterns. This flowering of styles and overwhelming display of decoration bring all of creation up to God.

The Carmelite Monks of Wyoming are a contemplative community within the Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Carmelite Monks live the fullness of the Carmelite Rule in the solitude of the mountains. They pray the entire divine office in common, have a daily sung mass chanted in Latin, do two hours of mental prayer, manual labor and the daily common rosary. The Carmelite Monks of Wyoming live a strict Horarium. The Wyoming Carmelites are building a monastery in the Gothic style architecture, designing and carving all of their stone decorations for their buildings during their allotted time for manual labor.

You can learn more about the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming here:
Carmelite Monks in General: https://www.carmelitemonks.org/
Carmelite Monks Horarium: https://www.carmelitemonkshorarium.org/
Carmelite Monks Vocation Updates: https://carmelitevocation.org/
Mystic Monk Coffee: https://www.mysticmonkcoffee.com/
Carmelite Monks News: https://www.carmelitemonksnews.org/
Carmelite Monks Building Project: https://www.carmelitegothic.com/
Carmelite Monks Prayer Request: https://www.carmelitemonksprayerreque...