God's Architect: Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi

CBS 60 Minutes is doing a special on Sagarada Familia.

"Perhaps the world's most beautiful and unique church, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, has been under construction for more than 130 years, since genius architect Antoni Gaudi started working on it in 1883. Long after his death, builders are using modern technology to realize the master architect's vision."

Feast your eyes on this. Benedict XIV recently consecrated the structure as a basilica.  The idea was to conceptualize the 2,000 year history of the Church in one structure. Amazing. Big images are necessary. But, see the typical reaction by pagans, and my response, below.

The following images were snapped by my cousin, Burt Williams. He writes:  ...a few photos of the 'Gaudi' designed church - La Sagrada Familia and one of his other buildings; Casa Batllo.  It was started way back in 1882.  I recall there is a renewed effort to finish it within the next few years.  According to Wikipedia; "It is anticipated that the building can be completed by 2026, the centenary of Gaudi's death.  Judging by his architectural style, especially considering the time (1882) I could see why he might have seemed to be a bit extreme.  If you ever get a chance to see this church, I would highly recommend it.  Even with a wide angle lens, the size of the building is difficult to capture. 

Casa Batllo

On the CBS comment box comes judymar14 March 8, 2013 11:54 AM EST

DISGUSTING...How many people could have been fed over the last 130 years for what it has been costing to build this monstrosity?

And my response:

judy...actually it fed many, many people. It fed the thousands of workers and their families for over 100 years. Not just with food (for some worked for pay), but it fed others with inspiration (for some worked for free). And the materials purchased bought food for the suppliers, the transporters, and those that fed the workers(who might have been poor without the work). And the construction and its presence added jobs for the surrounding community. And today and for years to come, as tourists (like me hopefully, someday)  come and spend thousands of dollars to travel there, dine and board there. Every dollar spent helped feed, cloth and shelter people that might be poor without the expenditure.  Did you think money was melted down and taken away from the poor? Just the opposite. This beautiful church will feed tens of thousands as people spend their money to get there, and then donate to the church out of love of God, and in respect to the artistry. Remember the Catholic Church gives more money, service, and relief, world wide than probably any other single body. The largest group of benevolent hospital and medical services are Catholic, many staffed by nurses who are nuns and make little or no money. The world's University system and the scientific method... all came from Catholic disciplines.  Today, much of our offerings help the poor directly. Your comment would also apply to any painting... as if the painting should not have been painted, and the painter should have given the $10 for the paint to the poor. But with the painting completed, it will earn thousands of dollars to feed his or her family and donate even more to those less fortunate.