ENCARNAÇÃO CHURCH
A Presbytery of Volcanic Stone.
The project concerns the reformulation of the presbytery of the Church of the Incarnation in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, specifically the design and arrangement of the liturgical furniture, guided by the symbolic and functional roles of these elements during religious celebrations.
The design process began with the study of the Tabernacle, a piece of exceptional symbolism dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, representing the presence of Christ as the nourishment of humanity. Positioned on the main axis of the presbytery, the Tabernacle distinguishes itself from the other elements through its verticality. Rising above an 80-centimetre pedestal of regional stonework, the vault of the Holy Eucharist appears as a brass piece inspired by the form of a wheat stalk, symbolising bread as the primordial nourishment. A simple and delicate structure in noble metal was chosen to convey the dignity and character required by its symbolism.
To ensure coherence and unity within the composition, the same brass structure was employed across the remaining liturgical elements, each adapted to its specific function: in the Ambo as a support for the Sacred Scriptures, in the Paschal Candle as a vessel for the flame, in the pedestals as supports for the statues of the Annunciation and Our Lady of Fátima, and in the chair’s backrest as a symbol of presidency.
In essence, the composition presents itself as if all the elements emerge directly from the stone floor: pure geometric pedestals support the brass structures, whose light and delicate design provides both functionality and symbolism.
In the apse of the presbytery, three large stained-glass windows were designed to form a triptych dedicated to Our Lady of the Incarnation, depicting the theme of the Annunciation. Inspired by the Renaissance paintings of Fra Angelico, the triptych represents the Angel Gabriel, the Virgin Mary, and the Holy Spirit, symbolised by a white dove which, through light, blesses the Mother of Christ.
Photography: Vítor Leal Barros
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