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Church of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: sacred architecture you don't expect in Roma Est
On the eastern outskirts of the capital, in the Ponte di Nona district, stands one of the most recent works of contemporary sacred architecture in Rome: the Church of Santa Teresa di Calcutta. Designed by architect Marco Petreschi and completed in 2016, its structure stands out sharply in the urban landscape. A building that was born to serve a young and growing community, it tells a story of modern faith.
The shape of a tent
Petreschi's idea was to evoke the idea of a great tent — a biblical symbol of welcome and encounter with the sacred in the desert. This idea is brought to life with a white concrete shell and imposing glulam timber beams that shape the interior space. The effect is powerful. Natural light enters through precise cuts and a large stained-glass window, illuminating the liturgical hall in ever-changing ways throughout the day.
A recent history
The parish is young. It was established in 2005, but for more than ten years the community gathered in a simple prefabricated building. The current church — consecrated in December 2016 — replaced that first, humble home. And the name was updated from "Blessed" to "Saint" shortly after the canonisation of Mother Teresa, which took place that same year, binding the church forever to that event.
As this is an active parish, visiting hours may vary. It is advisable to consult the official parish website for liturgical celebration times and contact details.
