Category Archives: Art

We arrive at the end of our discussion on The Beauty of Christ, Model and Prototype of Christian Holiness and the Pontifical Council for Culture offers its Pastoral Proposals. We’ll take these slowly, and in pieces, touching on matters such as episcopal … Continue reading →

Let’s finish up the topic of Beauty in the Liturgy. Superficiality, banality and negligence have no place in the liturgy. They not only do not help the believer progress on (the) path of faith but above all damage those who … Continue reading →

Let’s continue with more reflections on Beauty in the Liturgy. An experience more recent than the glory of the Hagia Sophia … The French writer Paul Claudel allured to the internal force of the liturgy in witnessing to his conversion during the … Continue reading →

Let’s continue our exploration of Beauty in the Liturgy. A legend cited: During a conference at the 23rd National Italian Eucharistic Congress, Cardinal Ratzinger cited in his introduction the old legend about the origins of the Christian faith in Russia. According … Continue reading →

This is a topic I almost isolated and treated on its own, but in the end the whole document poked my interest. It’s taken a while to get to Beauty in the Liturgy. Where we left off yesterday, we looked … Continue reading →

We continue with the Pontifical Council for Culture’s reflection on The Luminous Beauty of Christ and its Reflection in Christian Holiness. It may be predictable a curial entity would look to a church subculture close to its circle of friends: This … Continue reading →

Moving on to part B) we discuss The Luminous Beauty of Christ and its Reflection in Christian Holiness. We’ll take this topic in two parts, starting here: Jesus Christ is the perfect representation of the Glory of the Father. He is the most beautiful … Continue reading →

Yesterday we began On the Pathway towards the Beauty of Christ. Let’s finish the thought today: The pastoral work of the Church, which leads people to meet Christ, finds in the presentation of beauty the means to wake up hearts for … Continue reading →

In part 3 we are considering The Beauty of Christ, Model and Prototype of Christian Holiness. In part A) we find ourselves On the Pathway towards the Beauty of Christ. The absolutely original and singular beauty of Christ, model of … Continue reading →

Next up, the consideration of The Beauty of Christ, Model and Prototype of Christian Holiness. Saint Augustine introduces the idea for us, that the beauty of God’s created works leads the person to ponder the surpassing beauty of the Almighty: … Continue reading →

Let’s look at the last four of seven Pastoral Proposals for section III-2 The Beauty of the Arts. Commentary follows each suggestion. – Local publications in the guise of tourist guides, webpages, or specialized journals on patrimony, with the pedagogical aim … Continue reading →

Let’s look at the first three of seven Pastoral Proposals for section III-2 The Beauty of the Arts There is some history with some of these. Some are better ideas than others. Some haven’t been seriously considered. Some initiatives have already … Continue reading →

Section III-2 The Beauty of the Arts concludes with Pastoral Proposals which are referenced in part by certain documents: John Paul II’s Letter to Artists is a fundamental reference point here, and finds a clear echo in the passage cited from the Pontifical Council for Culture’s … Continue reading →

Let’s finish up our look at Sacred Art, Instrument of Evangelization and Catechesis. An optimistic and positive view of sacred art, which isn’t always true. The potential’s there: The communicating capacity of sacred art renders it able to break down … Continue reading →

How can we describe art as an instrument of evangelization and catechesis? The modern view is twofold. Art is entertainment, a diversion of the serious or stressful aspects of life. Art is also decoration: we use it to put color … Continue reading →