The Counter‑Reformation of the 16th century gave us a glimpse of heavenly beauty through a glass dimly. Gothic cathedrals, once built to point toward Heaven, gave way to the Baroque style, which “brought” Heaven down onto the streets of Rome through trompe‑l’œil, light, movement, and theatricality.
This beauty inspired Parochial Administrator Father Jason Barone as he chose the architectural style for the new building of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Highlands. Numerous trips to Rome and a deep admiration for Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini shaped his vision. Yet, as Father Barone emphasizes, “the choice of the Baroque style was less a conscious choice and more so the fruit of prayer.”
Construction has fallen behind the original 2022 timeline, but only because parishioner generosity allowed the project to expand while work was underway. “We were able to add a few substantial features to Phase 1 construction,” said Berney Kirkland, Parish Council and Campaign Committee member. These include a striking Baroque façade, marble and tile flooring, custom artwork, and decorative carvings along the upper interior. “Incorporating these features now lowers their construction costs and eliminates the disruption that adding them later would create,” Berney explained.
The campus will also include an expanded columbarium and a prayer garden on the front lawn, designed by landscape architect Hank Ross with inspiration from monastic cloisters.
With the added features, the construction budget totals $15.27 million. OLM’s capital campaign has raised $13.98 million in pledges, with 92 percent collected. New gifts continue to arrive, and Father Barone remains confident Phase 1 will be completed debt‑free. While the anticipated completion and consecration dates are still in flux, both are fast approaching.
“I’m deeply grateful for every gift we received, no matter the size,” Father Barone said, recalling the Gospel story of the widow who donated a single coin—yet gave more than anyone else. “Hers was a sacrificial gift. OLM has received such gifts and those especially move me.”
Much like the Roman basilicas that became part of Italy’s cultural heritage, OLM hopes to create a space of beauty and peace for all who enter. “The doors will be open for anyone,” Father Barone says. Berney adds, “We want OLM to be a welcoming and aesthetically beautiful asset in our community…a testament of gratitude for God’s blessings.”
To support the project, visit olmhighlands.com/capital-campaign. “In an ever‑changing world replete with ugliness, navel‑gazing, and distractions, my prayer and hope is that the new OLM’s beauty and tranquility will quietly disarm future visitors,” Father Barone concluded.
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