Events
CAG's Official Launch
CAG's Official Launch
March 2021
Dear fellow Catholic Architects,
After two years in the making, we are blessed to officially launch the Catholic Architectural Guild (CAG). To mark this milestone, I would like to share some thoughts on our formation. Our purpose in life is closely linked to our identities, be it as a spouse, a parent, or a professional. We spend years, if not decades, playing these roles in our lives, and they define who we are. Being a Catholic and an Architect are two examples of such roles, and they are common in many ways - both require years of practice; both are guided by standards and responsibilities; both exist to help people and to bring them joy. Architects are poised to uphold the transcendental values of Truth, Goodness and Beauty - all of which are critical in both our faith and profession. For instance, socially responsible designs can help to improve lives of communities in need, and people have actually been known to believe in God through beautiful architecture. At the same time, the world we live in is 'groaning as in the pains of childbirth' (Romans 8:22). The environmental crisis, the destruction of nature, the use of social media leading to rising loneliness- these are troubles that many of us have been wrestling with, or worse, have become desensitised to. As Architects, we spend much of our time in the industry building cities and homes for our Clients. But there is also a lot of work that needs to be done to protect God's creation.The world is paying the price for rapid urbanisation. As individuals, we can't do much to halt this trend. But with the grace of God, and together as a guild, I believe we can make a difference. This is the motivation behind the formation of the CAG. For those of us who find ourselves in these two roles as a Catholic and Architect, it is not a coincidence, but a calling from God, who is Himself the greatest Architect. As Christians, we have been asked to imitate Him (1Cor 11:1) and so by being an Architect, we have already taken the first step in responding to the calling. The guild, which is made up of like-minded and God-fearing disciples, is about to embark on a journey. I would like to invite you to join us as we strive to use our gifts to build the Kingdom of God.
Michael LeongChairman
After two years in the making, we are blessed to officially launch the Catholic Architectural Guild (CAG). To mark this milestone, I would like to share some thoughts on our formation. Our purpose in life is closely linked to our identities, be it as a spouse, a parent, or a professional. We spend years, if not decades, playing these roles in our lives, and they define who we are. Being a Catholic and an Architect are two examples of such roles, and they are common in many ways - both require years of practice; both are guided by standards and responsibilities; both exist to help people and to bring them joy. Architects are poised to uphold the transcendental values of Truth, Goodness and Beauty - all of which are critical in both our faith and profession. For instance, socially responsible designs can help to improve lives of communities in need, and people have actually been known to believe in God through beautiful architecture. At the same time, the world we live in is 'groaning as in the pains of childbirth' (Romans 8:22). The environmental crisis, the destruction of nature, the use of social media leading to rising loneliness- these are troubles that many of us have been wrestling with, or worse, have become desensitised to. As Architects, we spend much of our time in the industry building cities and homes for our Clients. But there is also a lot of work that needs to be done to protect God's creation.The world is paying the price for rapid urbanisation. As individuals, we can't do much to halt this trend. But with the grace of God, and together as a guild, I believe we can make a difference. This is the motivation behind the formation of the CAG. For those of us who find ourselves in these two roles as a Catholic and Architect, it is not a coincidence, but a calling from God, who is Himself the greatest Architect. As Christians, we have been asked to imitate Him (1Cor 11:1) and so by being an Architect, we have already taken the first step in responding to the calling. The guild, which is made up of like-minded and God-fearing disciples, is about to embark on a journey. I would like to invite you to join us as we strive to use our gifts to build the Kingdom of God.
Michael LeongChairman