Altar Rails
King Richard’s Designs, Creates, and Installs Brand New Atlar Rail for the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Project Scope
King Richard’s designed, created, and installed a new Altar Rail for the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA. The Altar rail was generously gifted by many Marian Helpers of the church and was contracted to match “the remnants of the previous Altar Rail in the Shrine”. According to Fr. Matthew Tomney, Rector of the National Shrine of Divine Mercy, he was tasked by the Shrine’s previous rector to help facilitate a new altar rail in the shrine to accommodate an increasing number of people wishing to kneel at communion. In 2023, King Richard’s was asked by Fr. Matthew to design and create a lower step altar rail to accommodate more parishioners and to match the overall look of the Shrine.
DESign
The altar rail’s design aimed to harmonize with the main altar while preserving elements of the previous altar, enabling a more inclusive space for worshippers by lowering the rail to facilitate kneeling and extend the sanctuary’s area. The choice of slender columns with capital reliefs was made to create an open aesthetic, aligning with the existing wooden columns in the shrine’s windows, ensuring a cohesive architectural vision.
Creation
The altar rail, crafted from exquisite Italian white Carrara marble, showcases the elegance of brown Onice Ambra marble on its columns, harmonizing beautifully with the shrine’s altars and ambo. Intricate reliefs grace the tops of the columns, while rounded arches complement the architectural design of the Shrine.
Installation
The King Richard’s Installation team expertly assembled and installed the altar rail at the Shrine, ensuring its safe delivery and meticulous setup on site.
COMPLETION
We’re delighted to support Divine Mercy in enhancing their Shrine with a beautiful marble Altar Rail, designed to blend seamlessly with the space and create a more inviting atmosphere for both parishioners and visitors.
Press Release from The Divine Mercy
By Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC
Rector of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy
WWW.theDIVINEMERCY.ORG