Design of the lectionaries for the German-speaking bishops' conferences

The German-speaking Bishops' Conferences have tendered the redesign of the lectionaries as a book work of art. A contemporary, emblematic design without writing should be developed. At the same time, style, colour and form should emphasise the dignity of Holy Scripture and the sublimity of liturgical celebration. It should also be, just as a work of art, according to the liturgy constitution of the 2nd Vatican Council, a "sign and symbol of supernatural realities" (Sacorsanctum Concilium 122).

The lectionaries serve as a repository for the written Word of God in the liturgy, which is the culmination "of the Church's action" and "the source from which all her power flows" (Scorsantum Concilium 10).

The lectionaries, designed by Christof Cremer in collaboration with Julia Oppermann, are characterized by a reduction and compression and on the other hand offer a high degree of recognition and distinctiveness.

The design reflects the meaning and the process of proclaiming the Word of God. The originally only oral traditions were recorded in written form and can thus be recited everywhere in the same way. Within the worship service the letter is made to sound and the Word of God spreads dynamically as in waves. The coloured parabolas on the cover stand for the spread of the word through speaking and reading. They emerge from infinity, go there back again, to reverberate like in an echo chamber. The golden cover of the books underlines the high value of their contents.

Born in Heinsberg (D), Christof Cremer is a freelance costume and stage designer who lives in Vienna and works internationally. In addition to his work for the theatre, Christof Cremer conceives and curates exhibitions and works as a scenographer. Another facet of his work is sacred art. Here, his work includes the development of new liturgical instruments and garments, as well as the design of church interiors and room installations.

Cover design: atelier cremer / Christof Cremer, Julia Oppermann

further links:
Liturgical Institute of German-speaking Switzerland