Conference opening

Abstract

The genesis of the Congresos Internacionales de Arquitectura Religiosa Contemporánea is recalled and the process of organization of the current event, dedicated to the theme Beyond the Sacred Building: architecture and evangelization.
Starting from the experience of the Mexican Indian chapels, several case studies are proposed: open-air altars for multitudinous events; the permanent liturgical containers for mass concentrations; the spaces of worship for emergency situations, the spaces of silence and celebration located in university centers, ships, military bases, airports or sports facilities; the temporary spaces of worship in parks, beaches, shopping centers or seasonal tourist centers; the churches in Christian minority countries; or even the official pavilions of the Holy See in universal or thematic exhibitions.
In all these programs, the missionary zeal of the Catholic Church - recently claimed by Pope Francis -, its interest in expanding and transmitting the message received is visualized.