Calling and Purpose 32—Gaudi
The most-visited site in Barcelona, in fact in all of Spain, is Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family). It has been under construction for over 130 years—expected to be completed in 2026. During his lifetime, the church was referred to as the “Cathedral of the Poor,” in part because he relied on donations to fund his work. Donations continue to fund the project. One nickname for Gaudi is “God’s Architect,” and many experience his Sagrada Familia as the most beautiful worship space in all of Europe.
Born in 1852 in Catalonia, Gaudi is the artist and architect behind seven now-labeled UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Sagrada Familia’s crypt, apse, and nativity façade, Casa Mila, Park Guell, Casa Batllo, Palau Guell, Casa Vicens, and the Colonia Guell crypt.
Once nearly despised for his modernist creations, his contemporaries’ edifices now attract a fraction of the attention his works do. He is considered to have been a creative genius who was clearly ahead of his time, not only designing churches and buildings but parks and urban landscapes—always linking structures with their natural surroundings.
His artistic muses were his faith and nature. Gaudi was a devout Catholic. He was also captivated by fractal patterns in nature, creating three-dimensional and often upside-down models of his works (instead of traditional architect drawings)—a rare approach that was very hands-on.
Antoni Gaudi’s calling was as an artist—one of deep spiritual faith—who captured and represented the beauty of Creation in his works throughout his life. He dedicated himself fully to his work—which has now outlasted him nearly 100 years.
· What is your calling and purpose?
· Is it something that will outlast you?
· Perhaps your “creations” are not fully understood or embraced now—but can you envision a time when they might be?
· Pursuing acclaim was not Gaudi’s purpose—being good at what he did, being innovative, always learning, and being inspired by God The Creator were part of his makeup. The UNESCO designations came much later—after his death.
· How can you focus on the work you’ve been given to do—and leave the acclaim up to God?
Additional Resources:
• Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and law enforcement leadership for over 30 years. Shirley has been EquipConnectServe Director at First Pres Boulder since 1999. She has worked with leaders and organizations in 47 of the United States as well as having clients outside the U.S. Contact Shirley.
© 2019