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St. Anne's Plaza
- Community Plaza— It is important to begin with the knowledge that we chose to make the plaza in a traditional Spanish style in order to stay congruent with the architecture of the school and the chapel. It was our goal that once the landscape matures, the space feels as though it was constructed at the same time as those historic, beautiful buildings.
- Fountain—Let's start with the fountain. It's important to point out that the fountain is inline with the Baptismal font and the Tabernacle. It is our hope that this fountain will serve as a reminder of our own baptism. We chose the different shades of blue tiles in the basin to evoke the feeling of water, without needing to be filled with water. If you look at the tile on the face of the fountain and on the major seat walls, you can see a pattern of a blue cross, with a bright white center. We selected this tile for it's floral pattern and warm Mediterranean color palette, the cross revealed itself once the tile was installed. As Fr. Brandon Ware frequently says “Praise God”.
- Sign Walls—The sign walls at each end of the plaza were specifically designed to mimic the majestic frieze that reads; VERITAS, and SAINT ANNES ACADEMY above the front entrance of the school.
- Stations of the Cross — The pathway of the Stations of the Cross, are paved with natural terra cotta tiles. Our incredible, hand painted Stations of the Cross were created from live terra cotta clay purchased in Los Angeles and painted in the Spanish Majolica style. This paint process is incredibly difficult and the special paint is only available in two places in this country. The St. Anne's Plaza Stations of the Cross are an interpretation of Stations of the Cross that are on the path up to a church built in 1497 in coastal village Deia the island of Majorca Spain. Our remarkable version of these incredible works of art were painstakingly created for us by the immensely talented local artist, Ilena Finocchi. Please notice that the trim motif painted around each station is the same motif that trims the two stained glass windows in the chapel featuring the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
- Stage—We wanted to build this stage because it harkens back to a time when things were built with Community in mind. Think about the old amphitheater at Lodi Lake! The stage is a mix of the natural terra cotta, brick and tile. The lighted steps at the front of the stage feature our hand painted decorative tiles, as well as forged handrails that curve outward to create a welcome to center stage. The ramp located at the back of the stage was planned for handicapped access as well as an exit for awards ceremonies, or actors or musicians. We look forward to this area being used as the starting point for processions into the church on Palm Sunday.
- Cobblestones—This is a good time to take note of the granite cobblestones. This particular hardscape was crucial in creating the feeling of a REAL authentic, old Mediterranean space. At the time the school was built, there was no stamped concrete. There were no interlocking man made pavers. We needed something organic, God made, natural stone. There are nearly 90,000 pieces of these. They were from 2 different quarries in Mexico. They were put in containers, loaded on a ship, sailed up the coast to the Port of Oakland, and finally trucked to St. Anne's. We requested a mix of colors, 50% brick tone, 30% golden tone, and 20% gray tone. These cobblestones varied widely in thickness. The artisans who hand laid each one of these, had to not only be cognizant of the size difference but the color. They had to make sure that the stones would be level and the color would read as beautiful, aged and serene, and not splotchy. These stones are the REAL DEAL. For those of you that have traveled, these will remind you of your time in Spain, or Italy, or France. For those of you yet to travel, when you get there, their streets will remind you of St Anne's Plaza! There is just no way to over state the quality and commitment of the masons who laid these beautiful cobblestones. You can see the natural sparkle in the stones like little diamonds glistening under the sunlight and twinkling in the night under lamp light.
- Mary’s Garden—Let's move next to the Chapel Garden. As you approach the chapel garden, you are met by a graceful archway, letting you know that you are about to enter a unique space, a little more private than the rest of the plaza. If you look at the detail of the hand forged iron archway, you will notice there are fleur-de-lis featured. While this is the only place iron fleur-de-lis are present, they were made to coordinate with the cement fleur-de-lis found on the front of the church and the concrete fleur-de-lis grille pattern on our majestic church tower. Once inside the chapel garden, you are captivated by the incredible tile mural of the Madonna of the Stars. The original Madonna of the Stars was painted by the Italian, phenomenally renowned early Renaissance fresco artist Fra Angelico in 1424. This tile mural was created by a priest from San Francisco, and generously given to the sisters who used to live at the rectory. What is now our Adoration chapel was their private chapel. In 1951 when this tile mural was installed, St. Anne's was part of the San Francisco diocese. So the Bishop from San Francisco came to bless the mural, and a young altar server, Dick Ling, is featured in a newspaper article standing next to the bishop. Mr. Ling is an active member of our parish to this day! Please notice the blue of the tile mural is the same blue in the fountain basin tiles and the cobalt blue used in the seat wall and fountain tile. If you look at the cloak Madonna of the Stars wears, you will notice a flower at the neck of her cloak. This open flower is called a mystic rose, it represents Mary's mystical participation in the Trinity. We have white carpet roses growing at the base of the chapel wall to continue this theme of the Blessed Mother and the rose. Also growing in this chapel garden, are irises. Only featured in this part of the plaza, the iris, also known as the sword lily, is an emblem of Our Lady's Seven Sorrows. Notice the stained glass windows flanking the Madonna of the Stars. One side is the Corpus Christi, the other the Resurrection. At the eastern end of the chapel is the exquisite stained glass window honoring the Eucharist. Under the ledges of the two arched stained glass windows and the ledge of the Madonna of the Stars you will see acanthus leaf corbels. The symbolism and meaning associated with the acanthus leaf is that of enduring life. We chose to continue this motif at the base of the globes on the stately lamp posts throughout the plaza.
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St. Anne's Adoration Chapel
- Chapel—originally designed in the Art Nouveau style. A style of decorative art, architecture, and design prominent in western Europe and the US from about 1890 until World War I and characterized by intricate lines designs and flowing curves based on natural forms.
- Entry– look up as you stand on the sidewalk on Pleasant Street and look up at the frieze, decorated with grape leaves. At the side of the wall is the Sacred Heart.
- Door—is made of Brazilian mahogany. The grape leaf motif was selected because of the grape leaf frieze above and to complete the original structure.
- Virgin of Guadalupe Mural—Hand painted by Tawni Urrutia
- Stained Glass Windows—please see additional pamphlet for detailed description.
- Archangels
- Baptism
- Crucifixion
- Resurrection
- Eucharist
- Altar—was hand made by Michael Urrutia. Please notice the carving of the Lamb at the bottom.
- Monstrance—This vintage monstrance was made in France circa 1800—1820. She came from a cloistered chapel for Nuns in Lyon. We purchased this mesmerizing monstrance from an antique dealer in Brittany France. The dealer was instructed by the seller, to only sell this monstrance for church’s use, and not for a personal collection. Monsieur Fillion was delighted to learn that our Adoration Chapel would be the new home for this antique treasure. Please notice the cloud motif that surrounds the monstrance. It was used to remind us of the Ascension of Christ. We are so blessed to have this wonderful piece to display our Lord and King each day.
- Ceiling Molding—was originally painted white and barely noticeable. During the remodel it was hand painted in color by Artist Tawni Urrutia. They remind us of the Virgin Mary as many rosary beads can be found in the shape of acorns.
- Statues—Mary and Joseph were hand crafted by Proto Studios in the Art Nouveau period.
- Stations of the Cross—are originals hand crafted in the Art Nouveau period. These wonderful works of art were handcrafted by Proto Studios.
- Our Lady of Grace Mural—Hand painted by Tawni Urrutia