Perched atop La Jolla’s Mount Soledad, All Hallows Catholic Church offers more than just a place of worship. Founded in 1959, All Hallows Catholic Church provides a breathtaking panorama. The sky, sea, and greenery create a stunning backdrop.
The church’s west wall is entirely glass. This design choice allows a magnificent seaward view during worship services.
All Hallows Catholic Church is a contemporary take on the 12th-century Norman style. This style was common throughout Western Europe. Back then, the Norman Church was a community’s focal point. It symbolized pride in spiritual life. All Hallows stands as a landmark. Its design represents humanity’s emergence from the Dark Ages. The exterior east wall features 38 tons of Calavera stone. This stone was quarried near Oceanside.
Inside All Hallows Catholic Church, notice the carved stone altar and baptismal font. The Raffo Company of Pietrasanto, Italy crafted these pieces. This company is over 100 years old. During the 1982 renovation, the altar was reduced in size. The excess marble then decorated the new ambo. It also helped construct the baptismal pool. Now, people can kneel in the pool during baptism. Water is poured over them just like it was 1,500 years ago.
The ambo is decorated with four panels. These panels represent the Evangelists. Matthew is shown as an angel. Mark is a lion. Luke is an ox. John is an eagle. Early Christian theologians interpreted Ezekiel 1:4-12 to create these representations.
Suspended above the altar is a carved Crucifix of the risen Christ. The eighteen side windows display the fourteen Stations of the Cross in stained glass. Leaded effects enhance the beauty. The glass entry doors flank a glass etching. It depicts St. John the Baptist baptizing Jesus.
To the left of the altar is the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Here, you’ll find the Belgian silver tabernacle under a silk and cotton tent. This design recalls the Israelites saving manna for the Sabbath. This happened during their 40 years in the wilderness. Each door features a symbol of Christ. The left door has a relief of a pelican feeding its young. The right door displays the Pascal Lamb.
Perhaps the most beautiful object in All Hallows Catholic Church is the antique-style glass window. It stands twenty-four and one-half feet high in the east wall. Franz-Nieszen from the Botz-Miesen firm in Cologne, Germany designed this window. This famous firm has received many important commissions. Some even came from the Vatican.
The spread-winged dove at the top represents the Holy Spirit. The eye represents God the Father. The large central figure is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Below, the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph kneel in adoration. In the peripheral panes, you’ll see the Apostles on the top left. Martyrs appear on the lower left. Prophets are on the top right. St. Mark and St. Luke represent the community of Saints on the lower right. At the base, choirs of angels are in adoration.
All Hallows Catholic Church is known for its perfect location. The masterful blend of contemporary and Renaissance styles creates exquisite beauty. It’s a haven for tranquility and worship. All Hallows Catholic Church offers daily mass. The church also has many events. These include the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and the All Saints Day Mass. Also the Veteran’s Day Parade and the May Crowning Ceremony. All Hallows Catholic Church is more than just a church. It is a spiritual and artistic landmark.