Hey there,
Sacred art has a unique way of speaking to the soul. It can lift our hearts, focus our minds, and draw us closer to God in ways words alone sometimes cannot.
As we continue through the Easter season, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the role of sacred art in Catholic life and in our own faith.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes it this way:
Sacred art is true and beautiful when its form corresponds to its particular vocation: evoking and glorifying, in faith and adoration, the transcendent mystery of God… Genuine sacred art draws man to adoration, to prayer, and to the love of God, Creator and Savior. (CCC 2502)
We all need beauty in our lives … and sacred beauty does more than please the eye. It leads us toward prayer, wonder, and deeper devotion.
Sacred art surrounds us, beginning in our parish church: statues, stained glass, Stations of the Cross, sacred images, architecture, and music that lifts the heart at Mass. Many of these treasures can become so familiar that we hardly notice them. Yet when we pause and truly look, they reveal something greater.
Sacred art is also found beyond the church walls: masterpieces in museums, hymns and sacred music, religious images in our homes, and the creative works of artists who seek to glorify God through beauty.
This week’s issue of Genuflect explores the meaning and power of sacred art, how to pray with art, Pope John Paul II’s message to artists, the patron saint of artists, notable religious masterpieces, and ways to bring sacred beauty into your own home.
May the beauty of sacred art help renew your faith, deepen your prayer, and draw you ever closer to the risen Christ.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Benefits of Sacred Images
The Catechism of the Catholic Church urges us to incorporate veneration of sacred art. But research has shown that looking at beautiful art has a positive physiological effect. All the more reason to enhance your prayer life with religious art.
How Sacred Images Can Lead to Peace in The Soul | Aleteia
Praying With Art
Have you ever heard of Lectio Divina, or divine reading? It’s a form of prayer that involves reading a passage and then reflecting and praying on it. Well, the same form of prayer can be done with a piece of art too. Here’s how you can enhance your prayer life with sacred art.
The Art of Praying With Art | Catholic Stand
John Paul II’s Letter to Artists
On Easter Sunday in 1999 Pope John Paul II released his “Letter to Artists.” Himself an artist, the Pope’s letter was a call to action for artists to share their gift with the world. Here are 8 of the most inspiring quotes from the letter.
8 Things St. John Paul II Wanted All Artists to Know | Catholic Link
Artists Needed
Pope John Paul II appealed to artists in his 1999 Letter to Artists to use their talents for God. This began a slow movement to recognize the importance of art in the Catholic Church. Here are three people who have answered the call. Their stories may inspire the artist in you.
The Catholic Church Desperately Needs Artists | EWTN News
Patron Saint of Artists
If you ever struggle with writer’s block (raises hand) or a blank canvas, you might try asking Saint Catherine of Bologna to intercede on your behalf. She was a 15th Century cloistered nun who is the patron saint of Artists. Here’s more about her life and why she’s the perfect Saint for struggling artists.
St. Catherine of Bologna, Patron Saint of The Arts | Loyola Press
12 Inspiring Paintings
For centuries artists have brought the lives of Jesus, Mary, the Saints, and the rest of our faith to live for us their beautiful God-given talent. Here are 12 famous religious paintings with the meaning behind each one.
12 Inspiring Religious Paintings & Their Meanings | The Catholic Company
Modern Day Michelangelo
Timothy Schmalz is a world-renowned Canadian sculptor who is glorifying Jesus Christ through his art. He likens it to “visual prayer.” And people … even non-Catholics … are taking notice.
A Modern-Day Michelangelo: Canadian Sculptor Presents The Gospel in Bronze | National Catholic Register
Prince of Peace is Risen
At the age of 8 prodigy Akiane Kramarik painted a portrait of Jesus Christ titled “Prince of Peace.” Through a series of unfortunate events, the painting landed with an owner who hid it away. But last December, 16 years after she painted it, new owners of the painting reunited the artist with her creation. Read the full story and see the reunion video of this amazing portrait.
Masterful Painting of Jesus by 8-year-old Prodigy Saved From Obscurity | Aleteia
Temporary Stained Glass
You may have seen the photos on social media recently … a glass door or window on the house painted to look like a stained glass window with a cross in the center. It’s a creative and colorful way to display your joy this Easter season. And kill a little time during the quarantine. Here’s everything you need to know to do this on one of your windows, including the recipe for the paint.
How to Paint Temporary Stained Glass on Windows (With Paint Recipe) | Catholic Icing
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