Association Of Catholic Bloggers

When the Holy Spirit inspires artists to create art with, through and in Him, their creations touch our inner selves. They are not only beautiful but also imbued with a mystical essence which gives them spiritual power. continue

On Epiphany, we ask God to not only shine His light in our hearts but to protect our homes with His light as well.  So, we mark above each doorway with the wise men’s initials plus a sign of the cross and year: 20+C+B+M+16  because tradition tells us the wise men who came to honor Jesus were called Gaspar (or Caspar), Melchior, and Balthasar. The names mean- Master-of-Treasure, King, and Protect-the-King. This tradition dates to the 6th century. continue

A selection of the some of the best art and icons capturing the humility, dignity, and nobility of Mary- The Queenship of Mary. continue

The most traditional and popular explanation of the Trinity is St. Patrick’s description that t he Trinity is like the cloverleaf with three separate sections yet part of the same leaf. I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through a confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation St. Patrick (ca. 377) for more analogies and images

When the Holy Spirit inspires artists to create art with, through and in Him, their creations touch our inner selves. They are not only beautiful but also imbued with a mystical essence which gives them spiritual power. continue

Modern artists are still fascinated by Mary and her encounter with the angel Gabriel. There are so many moments to capture her initial shock, fear, sense of awe and wonder, questions, acceptance and final glorious infilling by the Holy Spirit. Each artist reflects a different facet of truth with the Spirit of God shining through each painting in a myriad of different hues and tones and nuances. continue

Around the 14th century, the magi were said to represent the three known races of the time, European, Asian, and African. Whatever the truth, the wise men were brave, curious and open to God’s inspiration as they studied the Hebrew Scriptures and the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. Among these, they found the words of Balaam:   “A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel”  (Numbers 24:17, ) read more and see more art

Modern Holy Family Sculpture often focuses on the intimacy and love Joseph and Mary have for their son, Jesus. They also depict Joseph’s protective strength which is something that I really had not considered before looking at these statues. continue reading

The best Merry Christmas I can give you is to repeat the simple, unvarnished story of the first Christmas paired with wonderful, modern, Catholic art. Luke 2: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. continue reading

There are so many wonderful feast days in December that help kids deal with the long, waiting period of Advent. December 12 is the feast of  La Virgen de Guadalupe , Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is a marvelous story to tell children.  In 1521 – Our Blessed Mother appeared to San Juan Diego on the Hill of Tepeyac, near Mexico City. So much of  Mexican folk art  depicting Our Lady of Guadalupe is vibrant, colourful, and beautiful in its simplicity. continue reading

Not all saints are known; many are hidden and do not receive any attention from the Church. The Gospel reading, the beatitudes, reminds us that it is precisely theses little people, the nameless, faceless poor, the  anawim , who are especially blessed by God. continue reading

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle. Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words. continue reading

I love this painting of Mary as the Protectress of the Roman People, created in the 5th century. A fascinating carving in stone is thought to be from the 3rd century and features the three Magi bringing gifts to the Christ Child on Mary’s lap. continue

Canadian artist, Michael O'Brien Modern sculptures and paintings of St. Joseph, emphasize his strength and protective attitude for his young wife and vulnerable infant son. A model for modern dads. continue reading

Icon painters fast and pray as they paint, layering colours one on top of the other. This technique gives the icon a unique richness and depth. The effect of this technique is most obvious in the eyes which do not seem flat but rather realistic with depth and soul. Stained glass seems to reflect the Light of God continue reading

Painting the Sacred For Modern Sensibilities  Introducing A Young, Catholic, Ukrainian Artist Ivanka Demchuk continue

Father Köder’s work was influenced by Chagall, using strong colours and chunky figures. His paintings are an earthy, yet spiritual interpretation of biblical themes. Father's painting is the visual expression of his priestly ministry. continue

Contemporary artists view the crucifixion through new eyes, enabling the Holy Spirit to impact yet another generation of Christians.  Ivanka Demchuk  Ben Denis continue 

The Epiphany of the Lord celebrates Christ’s manifestation to the Gentiles,  to us, symbolized by Christ’s manifestation to the Magi or the Wise Men. For me, Epiphany also triggers a longing for more of His presence. An ancient mosaic in Ravenna showing the three wise men The magi were brave, curious and open to God’s inspiration as they studied the Hebrew Scriptures and the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. Among these, they found the words of Balaam:   “A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel”  (Numbers 24:17 ) . They must have been acquainted with the prophecy of Micah: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel”   ( Micah 5:2). continue reading

BE NOT AFRAID “There is nothing more man needs than Divine Mercy – that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises man above his weakness to the infinite heights to the holiness of God.” St. Pope St. John Paul ll continue