Dyersville Basilica and New Melleray Abbey

Contrasting the two sacred spaces that we visited today is very easy on a quick glance of both. Comparing them takes a little more observance so I'll start with that. The comparisons that can be made are the basic features of Catholic Churches, ones that can also be found in Christ the King at Loras. Both places have a raised alter. They also both have tabernacles behind the alter (although very different tabernacles.) We learned that the Dyersville Basilica has gone through lots of renovations and changes over the years and the New Melleray Abbey has also undergone some major changes.
Now to the easier part - contrasting. The best explanation that I thought was offered for why the Basilica was designed and decorated the way that is was is because it is a period piece. It is an example of a style and culture that the church, and Dyersville, went through. The Abbey is the way that it is because it is the worship space for cloistered monks - they believe in simplicity and the Abbey is just that, very simple.
When you first walk into the Basilica there is something from all different directions trying to grab your attention. The main alter is one of the first things that you have to focus on because of the complexity of it. This is very different from the Abbey which has a slightly raised alter and a simple wooden chair for the presider and minimal Christmas decorations (a couple trees and poinsettas.) The Tabernacle at the Abbey is in a 'house' behind the alter whereas at the Basilica it is surrounded by an almost castle style lodging of dark wood and leaf gold. The Basilica is also adorned with an over abundant amount of Christmas decorations, lets just say i have never seen so much garland with red bows.
The Basilica has some amazing pieces of art above the high alter as well as on the ceiling throughout the church. The Abbey however, only has one painting of Mary and Jesus throughout the whole church. In contrast to the Basilica's painted high ceilings the Abbey has a very pretty wood ceiling with not much to it. Both buildings also have gorgeous windows that provide the appropriate lighting for the inside spaces. The Basilica's stain glass windows are beautiful (especially the Blue one in the back). The Abbey's windows are are very plain but very fitting for the style of the church.
If I were to give a tour of both spaces to a non christian I think that the Abbey would be the easier one to explain. Those who worship there are dedicated to prayer and believe that the simplicity of the church allows them to focus on their prayers. The Basilica however would be a lot harder to explain. (Because I don't completely understand it.)
Personally I was a lot fonder of the Abbey because of its simplicity. I didn't feel as if the overwhelming aspects of the Basilica were cohesive. There were many aspects I liked and I thought were beautiful in the Basilica I just didn't like them all together in one church. I did however fall in love with the Abbey as soon as we set foot in it. The Abbey matches my taste and preferences in terms of a worship space and I think that even if I wasn't Catholic I would be comfortable spending time in there.