The story of Latin and its use in the Church is of course a remarkable tale. Just as remarkable is the story of Father Reginald Foster and his love for the Church, the Latin language and sharing his expertise. Of course, Father Foster has immense patience with his students and their Latin difficulties. However, I am sure if I were in his Latin class, his patience would wear thin. If you need to confirm this notion, just ask Msgr. "Mumbles" McBride, Professor Emeritus of Latin at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. My Germanic pronunciation of Cicero, contributed to his gray hair and receding hairline.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Art of Stained Glass....Ascension of Our Lord Parish!
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been fortunate to experience talented individuals in the artistic world that have helped us adorn our Catholic Churches with magnificent examples of the stained glass trade. One particular church, Ascension of Our Lord, has stained glass depictions of the life of Jesus that were executed by Paula Himmelsbach-Balano(1877-1967). Paula Himmelsbach-Balano is often considered the “First-Lady” of Philadelphia stained glass.She was the first female to operate a stained glas studio in the United States that oversaw operations from design to installation. She operated her studio at 22 & Spring Garden Streets until the Great Depression, and then moved to Germantown until her death.
The use of color in the windows at Ascension of Our Lord Church is the most remarkable feature one first experiences when viewing them. The windows are rich, vibrant hues of blues and reds that remarkably change appearance as the sun moves throughout the church at various parts of the day.
Thematically, the most important scriptural events in the life of Jesus Christ are portrayed in these great multicolored, multifaceted panes of glass. The events of the Annunciation, The Visitation, The Birth of Our Lord, and The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple, The Crucifixion, the Resurrection & the Ascension are the primary themes throughout the church.
The stained glass windows at Ascension of Our Lord Church are superlative examples of art that is used by the Church in order to teach and explain principles of our faith, in addition to being decorative in their nature. The windows tell the story of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension in a manner similar to the Church’s cycles of Gospel readings throughout the liturgical year. They provide a visual feast for the prayerful Catholic as they participate in the Sacred Liturgies and give glory to God through the expression of the hands of a human artist.
Sources of inspiration, meditation and contemplation, stained glass windows in our Catholic Churches reflect the long symbiotic relationship the Catholic Church has had and continues to have with sacred art and artists. Thankfully, the work of Paula Himmelsbach-Balano remains as a visceral and beautifully visible example of how the sacred arts in our Catholic Churches helps us to more deeply worship the Mysteries of God and celebrate the great mysteries of faith God has imparted to us as Catholic believers.
The stained glass at Ascension of Our Lord Church is just one of two remaining sets of her work in place in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The other set is at Saint Agnes Church in West Chester. A pilgrimage to either church or both is worth the trip and the great experience of transcendence stained glass brings us in our Catholic faith.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Opportunity for Philadelphia to honor John Neumann & Katharine Drexel...Philadelphia Citizens.
Last week the Historical Commission of the City of Philadelphia voted to permit demolition of the former Assumption Parish on Spring Garden Street. Seemingly this is the end of a long struggle to preserve the historically significant structure that has languished for many years waiting for the final rendering to come. There are many levels of culpability and many individual groups and individuals that have contributed to the demise of this architecturally significant piece of Philadelphia’s long legacy. My point is not to lay blame or to indicate what could have been, should have been or might have been in regards to the proper administration of the former parish.
The facts concerning Assumption are simple and clear. The parish holds historical significance for the people of Philadelphia because of two individuals that were part of the life of the historical parish of the 19th and 20th centuries; John Neumann and Katharine Drexel. As Bishop of Philadelphia, John Neumann assisted in the solemn consecration of the newly constructed church. As a newborn child, Katharine Drexel was baptized at the church, entering the Catholic faith destined for a life in excess of ninety years. Remarkably, if not for the events that happened in the years after both Neumann’s and Drexel’s common association with Assumption Church, the events would have disappeared into history.
We know however, that the lives of these two Philadelphians, one a priest and bishop, the other an heiress to a large financial legacy and later the foundress of a community of sisters would transform life for not only Philadelphia, but individuals throughout the world.
Bishop Neumann, as Bishop of Philadelphia, deserves recognition not just because he participated in the consecration of Assumption Church, but because he was one of the most influential Philadelphians of the 19th century. His pastoral initiatives encompassed the entire State of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey. He was the principle driving force behind the foundation of the Catholic educational system in Philadelphia and subsequently the entire United States. He worked as a priest and bishop to zealously unite the multicultural tapestry of 19th century Philadelphia into a cohesive city that lived up to the ideals of Penn’s vision of a City of Brotherly Love.
Katharine Drexel as a citizen of Philadelphia nurtured a vision of charity that extended to peoples of all races, especially African-American and Native American peoples. Coupled with her love of the Catholic Eucharist, a perspective on the unity of all peoples, courage in addressing social inequities among minorities and total distribution of her personal inheritance to victims of poverty and racial injustices; Katharine Drexel’s legacy straddles the 19th & 20th centuries in Philadelphia and the entire United States.
The period of Katharine Drexel’s life was one that witnessed an incredible amount of racial inequality between African Americans and Caucasian peoples. In Philadelphia, Katharine Drexel provided the bedrock foundation of the American Civil Rights Movement, long before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., had a dream of racial equality in America. Mother Katharine Drexel established a religious community of sisters that exclusively ministered to the needs of what was then called, Black and Indian Peoples.
Over the course of her lifetime the Sisters of the Most Blessed Sacrament distributed more than 39 million dollars to the needs of African Americans and Native Americans in order to insure that these minorities were properly educated and received proper care and nutrition.
Both Bishop Neumann & Mother Katharine Drexel have been the victims of recognition and oversight on the part of the Philadelphia Historical Society in relationship to their participation in the life of Assumption Parish on Spring Garden Street.
The purpose of historical preservation is to preserve, restore and conserve significant places in Philadelphia not simply because of their architectural importance. The mission of the Philadelphia Historical Commission is to accomplish these points because a historical person or event took place at or in the place that has received a historical designation from the commission.
In addition to the exceptional architectural heritage with the connection to the prolific ecclesiastical architect of the period, Patrick Charles Keely; the Church provides the historical structure for two of the most significant citizens of Philadelphia’s life and history since Benjamin Franklin.
The City of Philadelphia has been especially generous in honoring Benjamin Franklin. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Franklin Institute, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and so on. However, there are no streets, parks or sites named to commemorate the lives and accomplishments of Saints John Neumann and Katharine Drexel.
The most significant acknowledgement of both Neumann & Drexel is of course the Catholic Church’s elevation of both of these exceptional individuals to the altars and designations of Sainthood. However, both Neumann & Drexel deserve recognition from a civil perspective in recognition of their lives and accomplishments in making Philadelphia a city of racial and religious tolerance in the 19th & 20th centuries.
Most notably, the battle to preserve Assumption Parish on Spring Garden Street is now lost. The shifting demographics of Catholics in addition to other factors contributed to its elongated process of death. However, Philadelphia Catholics and quite frankly all Philadelphians need to learn a lesson from this parish and the need to preserve our historical treasures that transcend points of architectural significance but point to a significance of the promotion of religious and ethnic harmony between peoples of all races, creeds and colors.
The Philadelphia Historical Committee needs to step back after this insensitive oversight against not only Philadelphia’s Catholics, but all Philadelphians of good will and recognize Saints John Neumann & Katharine Drexel with a park, a street and yes perhaps even statues on the illustrious Benjamin Franklin Parkway, not because they were and are Catholic Saints, but because they were illustrious Philadelphians that transformed Philadelphia and the world towards peace, harmony and racial tolerance.
The Sisters Cities Plaza that is directly in front of the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul would especially benefit from a new designation in honor of Bishop Neumann & Katharine Drexel. Without diminishing the importance of “Sister Cities”, both Neumann & Drexel as Philadelphia Catholics participated in events at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. What an appropriate place to honor and recognize their contributions than the development of a commemorative park dedicated to the principles of religious and racial tolerance for all peoples of Philadelphia and the nation.
Opportunity for Philadelphia to honor John Neumann & Katharine Drexel...Philadelphia Citizens.
Last week the Historical Commission of the City of Philadelphia voted to permit demolition of the former Assumption Parish on Spring Garden Street. Seemingly this is the end of a long struggle to preserve the historically significant structure that has languished for many years waiting for the final rendering to come. There are many levels of culpability and many individual groups and individuals that have contributed to the demise of this architecturally significant piece of Philadelphia’s long legacy. My point is not to lay blame or to indicate what could have been, should have been or might have been in regards to the proper administration of the former parish.
The facts concerning Assumption are simple and clear. The parish holds historical significance for the people of Philadelphia because of two individuals that were part of the life of the historical parish of the 19th and 20th centuries; John Neumann and Katharine Drexel. As Bishop of Philadelphia, John Neumann assisted in the solemn consecration of the newly constructed church. As a newborn child, Katharine Drexel was baptized at the church, entering the Catholic faith destined for a life in excess of ninety years. Remarkably, if not for the events that happened in the years after both Neumann’s and Drexel’s common association with Assumption Church, the events would have disappeared into history.
We know however, that the lives of these two Philadelphians, one a priest and bishop, the other an heiress to a large financial legacy and later the foundress of a community of sisters would transform life for not only Philadelphia, but individuals throughout the world.
Bishop Neumann, as Bishop of Philadelphia, deserves recognition not just because he participated in the consecration of Assumption Church, but because he was one of the most influential Philadelphians of the 19th century. His pastoral initiatives encompassed the entire State of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey. He was the principle driving force behind the foundation of the Catholic educational system in Philadelphia and subsequently the entire United States. He worked as a priest and bishop to zealously unite the multicultural tapestry of 19th century Philadelphia into a cohesive city that lived up to the ideals of Penn’s vision of a City of Brotherly Love.
Katharine Drexel as a citizen of Philadelphia nurtured a vision of charity that extended to peoples of all races, especially African-American and Native American peoples. Coupled with her love of the Catholic Eucharist, a perspective on the unity of all peoples, courage in addressing social inequities among minorities and total distribution of her personal inheritance to victims of poverty and racial injustices; Katharine Drexel’s legacy straddles the 19th & 20th centuries in Philadelphia and the entire United States.
The period of Katharine Drexel’s life was one that witnessed an incredible amount of racial inequality between African Americans and Caucasian peoples. In Philadelphia, Katharine Drexel provided the bedrock foundation of the American Civil Rights Movement, long before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., had a dream of racial equality in America. Mother Katharine Drexel established a religious community of sisters that exclusively ministered to the needs of what was then called, Black and Indian Peoples.
Over the course of her lifetime the Sisters of the Most Blessed Sacrament distributed more than 39 million dollars to the needs of African Americans and Native Americans in order to insure that these minorities were properly educated and received proper care and nutrition.
Both Bishop Neumann & Mother Katharine Drexel have been the victims of recognition and oversight on the part of the Philadelphia Historical Society in relationship to their participation in the life of Assumption Parish on Spring Garden Street.
The purpose of historical preservation is to preserve, restore and conserve significant places in Philadelphia not simply because of their architectural importance. The mission of the Philadelphia Historical Commission is to accomplish these points because a historical person or event took place at or in the place that has received a historical designation from the commission.
In addition to the exceptional architectural heritage with the connection to the prolific ecclesiastical architect of the period, Patrick Charles Keely; the Church provides the historical structure for two of the most significant citizens of Philadelphia’s life and history since Benjamin Franklin.
The City of Philadelphia has been especially generous in honoring Benjamin Franklin. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Franklin Institute, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and so on. However, there are no streets, parks or sites named to commemorate the lives and accomplishments of Saints John Neumann and Katharine Drexel.
The most significant acknowledgement of both Neumann & Drexel is of course the Catholic Church’s elevation of both of these exceptional individuals to the altars and designations of Sainthood. However, both Neumann & Drexel deserve recognition from a civil perspective in recognition of their lives and accomplishments in making Philadelphia a city of racial and religious tolerance in the 19th & 20th centuries.
Most notably, the battle to preserve Assumption Parish on Spring Garden Street is now lost. The shifting demographics of Catholics in addition to other factors contributed to its elongated process of death. However, Philadelphia Catholics and quite frankly all Philadelphians need to learn a lesson from this parish and the need to preserve our historical treasures that transcend points of architectural significance but point to a significance of the promotion of religious and ethnic harmony between peoples of all races, creeds and colors.
The Philadelphia Historical Committee needs to step back after this insensitive oversight against not only Philadelphia’s Catholics, but all Philadelphians of good will and recognize Saints John Neumann & Katharine Drexel with a park, a street and yes perhaps even statues on the illustrious Benjamin Franklin Parkway, not because they were and are Catholic Saints, but because they were illustrious Philadelphians that transformed Philadelphia and the world towards peace, harmony and racial tolerance.
The Sisters Cities Plaza that is directly in front of the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul would especially benefit from a new designation in honor of Bishop Neumann & Katharine Drexel. Without diminishing the importance of “Sister Cities”, both Neumann & Drexel as Philadelphia Catholics participated in events at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. What an appropriate place to honor and recognize their contributions than the development of a commemorative park dedicated to the principles of religious and racial tolerance for all peoples of Philadelphia and the nation.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Recalling the Dedication of the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul in Philadelphia!
In 1854 the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul in Philadelphia was dedicated by Archbishop Wood on this date.
Initiated by Bishop Kenrick, the project of building the Cathedral lasted over his years of leadership, the tenure of Bishop Neumann and finally completed under Bishop (later Archbishop) Wood. During the years of construction, the faithful Catholics in Philadelphia survived the tragic events of anti-Catholic persecutions and even the burning of Catholic Churches during the Know-Nothing Riots. Despite the pervasive anti-Catholic sentiments the project of constructing the Cathedral continued.
A visitor to the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul today doesn't always realize that the cathedral was built without lower-level stained glass. The only stained glass windows in the cathedral are strategically placed in a high location, so that angry mobs of anti-Catholics could not throw bricks through the windows and potentially torch the edifice during the turbulent events of the mid-1800's. It has even been said, that when planning the placement of the highly elevated stained glass windows, Bishop Neumann held a brick throwing contest in order to determine the greatest height a burly Irish bricklayer could hurl a brick. After that determination, the windows were then placed ten feet higher, just to be sure. While I have not been able to find documentary evidence of this brick-throwing contest, it lends a particular twist to the epic story that accompanies the construction of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. I will continue the research however, just to validate or dispel the story. Regardless of the authenticity, it indicates the great determination Catholics in Philadelphia had in building their, "Mother Church!"
Over the years, I have paid many visits to the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul for many spectacular events such as the Eucharistic Congress in 1976, the visit of John-Paul II in 1979 or the many ordinations of fellow seminarians to the Priesthood or Episcopate. All of these visits and events have always left me with a spiritual awe over the historical and spiritual significance that continues to transcend the years at this magnificent Cathedral, the beating heart of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Catholics should make a particular point to visit the Cathedral. It is their spiritual home and the central point of spirituality for their Catholic faith that is guided by the Archbishop of Philadelphia, Justin Cardinal Rigali. The Cathedral stands for the greatest appreciation and implementation of the principles of celebration we hold as sacred as Catholics. The liturgical celebrations at the cathedral, with the Cardinal-Archbishop of Philadelphia fully elaborate on the age old principle the Church holds in the highest esteem, "Lex Orandi! Lex Credendi! TheChurch prays as the Church believes! Philadelphia Catholics should be thankful that the highest attention to the details of the Sacred Liturgy are observed in their Cathedral. It shows very clearly that Cardinal Rigali is committed to the proper celebration of our Catholic liturgy and promotes a devotion towards Catholic art and architecture that is not always known outside of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
While the Cathedral-Basilica has undergone many renovations since the consecration by Archbishop Wood, one thing remains constant; it is the place of the cathedra, or chair of the Archbishop of Philadelphia. It is from this location, that the spiritual growth and sacramental life of the Church of Philadelphia flows. A Cathedral, is not only the place the local bishop calls home, it is also the place from where the Eucharistic Mystery is celebrated by the bishop as the Shepard of His Diocese.
The commemoration of the dedication of the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul has been moved liturgically to June 30, so not to diminish the Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul assigned by the Roman Calendar to June 29. Regardless of the day, Philadelphia Catholics should celebrate both days as festivities in their cathedral that symbolize the co-patrons of the Archdiocese, Saints Peter & Paul, the magnificent edifice of our Cathedral-Basilica and the filial obedience and fidelity the Catholic Church in Philadelphia gives freely to the Holy See.
The Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul is celebrating its 146 anniversary of dedication this year. Don't forget to remember kindly, the temporal requirements needed to preserve and maintain the oldest building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Cathedral-Basilica has been the spiritual home of Philadelphia Catholics from the middle of the nineteenth century, help financially to keep it well into the twenty-first century of Catholic life in the City of Brotherly Love.
Before I forget, many thanks to the kind staff of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Historical Research Center located at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, in the underworld of Saint Martins Chapel. They provided the photograph of the Cathedral in 1856, which according to them is the oldest photo of the Cathedral in their historical collection. The photo is reproduced and published with their permission as well.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A Living Presence...Catholic Sacred Art & Architecture!
Last week I had the opportunity to attend a symposium at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. that focused on the critical importance architecture plays in the developmental process of planning and building our most sacred spaces…Catholic Churches. The theme of the event was: A Living Presence: Extending and Transforming the Tradition of Catholic Sacred Architecture. Jointly, the architectural design departments of Notre Dame University and Catholic University planned and presented this two days event, that called much needed attention to the role architecture and vocational artists have in the important mission of the Catholic Church.
One of the most striking points noticed during the convocation was the considerable amount of professional enthusiasm and professional dedication all of the presenters and participants exhibited during the symposium. In such a gathering, that united academia with pragmatic examples of artistic and architectural realities, it was visibly evident that the future success of Catholic Sacred Art and Architecture is on the right path and is poised for remarkable success’ with the designs and plans of inspiring Catholic artists and architects. The symposium itself consisted of the usual presentation of academic papers and subsequent discussions. Uniquely, however, the dedication and devotion of the Catholic faith was apparent in all of the presenter’s attitudes and ideas that envision future designs to enhance our Catholic celebration of the Sacraments.
Importantly, the symposium presented multiple points of view. Traditional Catholic architecture was allowed to co mingle with modern Catholic architecture, and every point of design in between was allowed to participate. The use of the terms, “traditional” versus “modern” does not always allow for a friendly dialogue between parties. However, the artisans and architects present at this gathering uniquely appreciated the fact that the Sacred Mysteries of the Catholic faith joined them together in an artistic and architectural symbiosis that transcended mundane schools of architectural thought.
Most evident at the entire symposium was the overall consensus that the design and building of Catholic Churches should focus on the concept of the Mystical Body of Christ, of which we are all a part. With the theme of, The Architecture of the Mystical Body, Dr. Steven Schloeder illustrated the many points of architecture that converge in the Catholic Church with the understanding and appreciation of the anatomy of the human body. In developing an understanding and a deeper appreciation of the analogy of the human body, as related to the Body of the Church and the Mystical Body of Christ, art and architecture for the Catholic believer transcends the temporal limitations of human understanding and participates in the eternal mystery of God’s existence. In appreciating such a lofty integration of liturgical theology, it becomes apparent that the role of the vocational artist and the vocational architect is one of the greatest spiritual and temporal obligations that reflects the living faith of the Catholic Church.
In all of the discussions with various presenters during the event, it was very apparent that in the post-Vatican II era of artistic interpretation the modern Catholic has lost a significant appreciation of both signs and symbols that manifest themselves through our sacred liturgies and devotional faith. Clearly, the conclave of vocational artists and architects in Washington, D.C. last week shows a true concern for the revival of appropriate Catholic architectural norms that enhance our spiritual experiences while at the same time giving glory to our eternal and transcendent God.
The symposium offered at Catholic University last week shows there is a need for a developing dialogue between Church and artisan on a continued and regular basis. From a historical perspective, the role of the artist, and the architect is pivotal to the foundational expressions of Catholic ritual and faith through the construction and design of our Catholic Churches, our most sacred spaces, where the Incarnational Mystery of God, Made Man, intersects with our temporal attempt to provide a suitable place in which Catholic can justifiably celebrate and worship God’s glory, beauty and majesty. The symposium also indicated for me, the author, that there is a remarkable need for education and catechesis of the Catholic faithful as a whole regarding the critically necessary inclusion of qualitative art and architecture into the Catholic worshipping environment.
Perhaps, since we have had the luxury of time and experiences since the liturgical changes of the Second Vatican Council, those entrusted with the development of the faith in our most essential Catholic parishes, can appreciate the vast artistic and architectural heritages the Catholic Church endorses and makes visible through the celebration of it’s most holy and sacred rites. With the development and appreciation of the collective historical and social understanding of the Church’s artistic and architectural memory, pastors and faithful alike will realize and understand there is indeed room and opportunity for multiple examples of the artistic and architectural differences to co-reside and co- exist as expressions of our transcendent faith and our attempts to humanly unite with our Deity through art and architecture.
The theme of the symposium, A Living Presence best indicates the organic continuity architects and artisans offer the living Church. Through the adaptation of practical norms of architectural quality and integrity, the vocational artist and architect presents a living structure for the Church’s worship, that in our human inadequacy give glory and praise to the real Living Presence of Christ that is the central focus and presence in our Catholic Churches and our hearts as faithful Catholics attempt to bring, A Living Presence of Christ to a world that seeks Jesus primarily in our places of sacred worship, our Catholic Churches. The edifices that most visibly offer, A Living Presence are indeed the works of inspired artisans and architects. They stand as the sacred gateways towards a deepening relationship of faith, through our signs and symbols of Catholic art and architecture and ultimately a structural living presence that leads faithful believers to the ultimate Living Presence, Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Christ of Holy Saturday!
This article is reprinted from the April 15, 2010 edition of the Catholic Standard & Times, the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I requested an electronic .jpeg of the article, however the Standard was unwilling to provide one. So, in order for you to read the article, I am posting it to my site, http://catholicsacredarts.blogspot.com
I understand the Catholic Standard & Times will have an electronic format mid summer. Until then, I will just publish my articles here as they appear once a month in the Standard & Times.
When we attend Mass at our local parishes in Philadelphia, we are surrounded by many examples of sacred art and architectural features that help us in our prayerful pursuit of the Catholic spiritual life. Sacred art is intended to help us in our spiritual journey and provide us inspiration as we journey along in our everyday lives, trying to become more deeply immersed in our relationship with God. A great example of sacred art that helps us focus our prayer intentions is located at Saint Rita’s Church, Broad and Ellsworth Streets in Philadelphia.
The piece, “Christ of Holy Saturday,” by Philadelphia artist, Anthony Visco (www.anthonyvisco.org ) is the first thing you notice when you enter the lower chapel at Saint Rita’s. Struck in bronze, the full figured relief depicts the crucified Lord, lying on his burial shroud in anticipation of future resurrection on Easter.
Christ, in the tomb after the horrendous events of the crucifixion presents a very tranquil Jesus, hands crossed, with the wounds of the cross visible to all believers. Christ’s face slightly tilted with partially closed eyes gives us a hint that His repose is just temporary, waiting to be raised by the Father in glory.
The beautiful representation of Christ in repose shows us in a starkly mute fashion that we as Catholic believers are called to share in the Passion of Jesus through the Sacraments of Catholic Initiation. In Baptism, we too, die with Christ and are reborn through water and the Holy Spirit into a new life with God. At Saint Rita’s Church, the close location of a holy water font, placed strategically placed in front of the crucified Jesus Christ offers a powerful symbol of hope every time we immerse our hands into the water, recall our sacramental death and rebirth in Baptism. Jesus portrayed at death keenly illustrates for us there is new life through the Sacraments of the Church.
The placement of “Christ of Holy Saturday,” is a masterful representation of the image of Christ envisioned by Saint Rita of Cascia, in which the image came to her in a vision during a period of prayer. The vision of Saint Rita, reproduced for all of us is one that draws us more deeply into an appreciation of the death and ultimate Resurrection of Jesus, which follows the solitary period of Holy Saturday in the tomb.
Most significantly the artistic bronze prepares us for a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, in the chapel on the other end of the chapel. There daily Mass is celebrated and the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for Eucharistic Adoration on a daily basis. In placing the deeply moving representation of Christ’s death at the entrance to the chapel at Saint Rita’s Church, the faithful Catholic makes a sacramental journey from the font to the Eucharistic celebration, the ultimate indication that Jesus’ suffering and death was the transition to a resurrection to new life.
During our observance of Lent, each of us needs to keep the journey and the ultimate destination in mind, namely the joy of Easter, when Christ overcame suffering and death.
Sacred art invites us to travel on a personal and community spiritual journey with faith. At Saint Rita’s Parish in South Philadelphia( www.stritashrine.org ), the artistic journey begins at the entrance to the chapel and leads us to the Eucharistic liturgy.
Throughout the entire Archdiocese of Philadelphia there are numerous examples of qualitative sacred art that assists us in our pilgrimage of faith. Make it a point to visit, “Christ of Holy Saturday,” at Saint Rita’s. At the same time, make it a point to look around your own parish church for good examples of sacred art that will help deepen your prayerful Catholic spirituality.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Testament
Recently, I have had the great pleasure to review the DVD series, Testament, prior to the May 25th release of the DVD collection. If you have ever wondered about the state of biblical archeology in the 21st century, like I often do, this series is one you must own.
Dr. John Romer, one of the best known archaeologists is the field of biblical archeology takes the viewer on a magnificent journey to the foundational roots of the Bible. The series is filmed on location in most of the ancient sites of biblical events, including Jericho, Jerusalem & Egypt. Most questions that are normally asked about the origins of the Bible are logically and methodically explored in great detail by Dr. Romer. In addition to tracing the great historical roots of the Old and New Testaments the series carefully and sensitively examines the spiritual developments of the great religions of Christianity and Judaism by actually visiting the sites of their greatest accomplishments and achievements.
In addition to visiting the ancient sites, the host quite easily takes the viewer through a lesson in biblical archeology that is vibrant and relevant to an inquisitive world in 2010 looking for answers to their faith. Stories ranging from the Garden of Eden, to the Flood of Noah and the events of the Hebrew Exodus are all covered extensively by Dr. Romer as he quite happily wanders through the ancient world and holy sites for both Christians and Jewish believers alike.
While most people do not immediately pick biblical archeology as the first DVD series they might choose to explore, this DVD series is indispensable to any collection for students of all faiths, seeking to understand the world’s religious roots. If indeed anyone has ever read through the Bible, and had some questions regarding the origins of the theological stories, this series provides answers in a professional and academic manner, while remaining sensitive to the biblical theology.
May 25, 2010 is the release date for the series on DVD. The series was originally broadcast on Discovery Channel in 1988. It is available for preorder at Acorn Media Group. Their website is http://acornonline.com . The price of the collection is $59.99
Friday, April 9, 2010
Embrace the Catholic Sacred Arts!
Our Lady of the Word by Paul M.Whittle
Catholics in areas of the United States are always reading about parishes and Catholic facilities either closing or merging due to the shifting demographics of the Catholic population in the country. One of the fortunate side effects of this parish consolidation is the opportunity to rid ourselves of quite frankly “bad” Catholic art that has cluttered our Catholic Churches. While there are scores of examples of poorly executed pieces of art that has made its way into our Catholic sacred spaces, there are many talented and capable artists and artisans that labor to introduce their quality art on a regular basis.
The Second Vatican Council made it especially clear that artisans were extremely important in the design and furnishing of materials intended for our most sacred places. Subsequent Popes since Paul VI, including Benedict XVI have made the restoration of quality art as an important mission of the Church as it plans its liturgical structures. Last year, Benedict XVI even had a conclave of artists at the Sistine Chapel to illustrate the critical importance their talents and artistic inspirations are to the life of the living and worshiping Catholic community.
Unfortunately, however, the planning and design of Catholic parishes does not always make considerations for the inclusion of original and qualitative art into the liturgical design of a new parish church. In most cases, architects are enlisted to provide the plans for the Catholic parish, but they have little understanding of the ritual and sacramental form and functions required of the new building. In addition to this oversight, architects and liturgical designers are drawn to,” over the counter,” statuary and, “catalog,” ordered artistic accessories that are mass produced and found in Catholic Churches in some variation all over the United States.
The Catholic Church historically has always been one of the strongest patron and supporter of artists and their respective crafts. Unfortunately, since the rise of the Industrial Revolution with the ability to mass produce articles, the Church has been caught in the machinery of, “off the shelf,” ordering of sacred art and liturgical accessories. The significance and magnificence of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is simply this: It is a one of a kind work of art! Appreciation of original commissions of liturgical art is something that needs a boost of confidence in the United States as we redesign and redistribute our parishes into new geographical distributions of the Catholic faithful.
Artist Paul Whittle at work on Our Lady of the Word
There are examples in every location in the United States of qualitative artists working in their uniquely vocational field of liturgical arts. In the Philadelphia metropolitan area, one artist of particular note is Paul M. Whittle. Mr. Whittle attended and graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1995 with a BFA degree. He has also received the Perkins Scholarship for the, “Visual Arts” for six consecutive years.
A particular project that Mr. Whittle has completed and installed is, Our Lady of the Word at Saint Aloysius Church in the Diocese of Trenton. If your parish is considering adding a new piece of Catholic art, they should consider Mr. Whittle. He can be contacted at paulmatthewwhittle@gmail.com
His work is an example of superlative artistry, available to Catholic parishes throughout the United States. Catholics from all walks of life, clergy and hierarchy and local parishioners should really seek out artisans like Mr. Whittle when building or redesigning their local parish churches and not settle for over the counter art when an original piece of art is readily available.
While the migration of Catholic parishioners continues to change and evolve, we have the chance to artistically accentuate our new Catholic parishes with works of artistic quality that are befitting our worship of Almighty God.
Catholic Sacred Arts are indeed alive and well in the United States. As a faithful community of Catholic believers, we need to cultivate the patronage of these talented artisans and include their artistic interpretations of Catholic images as part of the evolution of Catholicism in the United States.
The Catholic Church in the United States is no longer an immigrant church, one that needs to rely on importation of statuary from foreign countries. We are a vibrant and living People of God that includes many talented vocational Catholic artists in our own parish communities. We have an opportunity to utilize their God given talents that are reflective of a Catholic Church in the 21st century, living and growing in faith and love and hope.
Hugh J.McNichol is a Catholic author and journalist writing on Catholic topics and issues. He attended Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, where he studied both philosophy and theology. He writes frequently at http://verbumcarofactumest.blogspot.com & http://nothing-left-unsaid.blogspot.com . Hugh writes about his Irish Catholic upbringing and educational experiences at http://graysferrygrapevine.blogspot.com . He has contributed works to Catholic News Agency, Catholic Online, The Irish Catholic, Dublin, the British Broadcasting Company, London and the Philadelphia Bulletin, Catholic Exchange, Pewsitter.com, Blogger News Network & The Catholic Business Journal,CatholicMom.com. & Catholic.net Comments are always welcome at hjmn4566@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Extending and Transforming the Tradition of Catholic Architecture
The School of Architecture and Planning at Catholic University in Washington is having a symposium from April 30th through May 1st. The theme for the symposium is Extending and Transforming the Tradition of Catholic Architecture.
There are many individual artists and architects involved with the planning and designing of new Catholic Churches in the United States and this upcoming symposium offers an opportunity to experience the trends that are evolving within the professional architectural community and the Catholic artisan communities that will effect the designs of future Catholic Churches.
While the School of Architecture and Planning at Catholic University does not exclusively design for future Catholic places of liturgical worship, the attention it is focusing on the topic is long overdue. For over forty years since the end of the Second Vatican Council, most of the Catholic Churches in the United States were a hybrid design that included space for the Sacred Liturgy and a place for other pastoral activities. For the most part, they did not reflect the large temples of worship America experienced in the 19th and 20th centuries of building churches exclusively designed for the Catholic Sacred liturgy.
However, in recent years the trend is moving once again towards the use of Catholic Churches exclusively for the celebrations of the Sacred Liturgies. What this means is that there is a Catholic renewal of art and architecture that is sweeping the parish communities in the United States when they plan and implement the designs for a new parish church.
Once again, the uniquely Catholic requirements for effective celebrations of the Holy Mass are the most important requirements of the new church design, coupled with the use of modern materials and ecologically sensitive configurations intended to enhance the church worshiping space as one devoted to the praise of God...exclusively.
In some cases, the merger and closure of parish communities in the United States has allowed the development of a mega cottage industry that reuses and recycles items from closed parishes such as stained glass and marble altars. In an attempt to incorporate materials of the highest artistic quality from the 19th and 20th centuries, the new Catholic Churches built in the United States pay homage to the spiritual and temporal sensitivities of their spiritual forefathers. Also with the building of new churches there is an opportunity for new artists and artisans to have an opportunity to provide new visions of Catholic saints and liturgical accessories that are befitting a place in a sacred and transcendent Catholic worshiping community.
While the symposium is hosted by the School of Architecture and Planning, the keynote speaker for the event is His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia. Cardinal Rigali in his own Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been a strong supporter of the restoration of traditional Catholic Church designs for his parishes. During his tenure, His Eminence has even restored the traditional Altar of the Blessed Sacrament to the main body of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, an example followed to all of the parishes in his Archdiocese.
Keenly aware of the need for a renewal of the sense of the sacred in our Catholic spirituality, Cardinal Rigali has made the pursuit of spiritual renewal as a pastoral priority for Philadelphia and also for the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. Cardinal Rigali is a member of the National Shrine's Board of Directors and Artistic Advisory Board. With the backing of such a prominent American Cardinal, the great renewal of Catholic architectural traditions, extending into the 21st century, the symposium has the potential to provide resounding influence on Catholicism in the United States for years to come.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Anticipation...Holy Saturday!
Holy Saturday is the period of Holy Week when Catholics remember Jesus' entombment. It is a preparation day. Today is a day of quiet and prayerful reflection on the true gravity of the crucifixion and Jesus' redemptive sacrifice. Throughout the world our Churches are empty of the Blessed Sacrament and quiet in anticipation of Easter's triumph over darkness and evil, sin and death.
The quietness of the day permits us to ponder the implications of physical death and how each of us in life and death, affects others. The day before Easter also permits the Elect and the Catechumens a period of solitude and reflection as they prepare to participate in a most meaningful manner in the Sacraments of Initiation. After the frantic activities of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday & Good Friday…Holy Saturday is a pregnant pause before the realization of the resurrection is realized on Easter Sunday morning.
This period should be prayerful and quiet, as well as contemplative of the chronological and historical events that we call the Passion. This day should also provide anticipatory happiness as we prepare to celebrate the New Passover. Holy Saturday permits us to deeply saturate our parched theological spirits in images of the waters of Baptism, and symbols of restored life. This evening Mother Church will initiate a new fire and the Paschal Candle will stand in our churches providing radiant light and reminding us of Jesus' Easter triumph. We will profess our faith in the Creed, along with our newly initiated brothers and sisters. We will partake in the Eucharistic sacrifice, now the unbloody reenactment of Calvary.
In our Churches, new water will be blessed and there will be a sprinkling over all of us to recount our sacramental incorporation through the living waters of baptism, the warming power of the Holy Spirit in confirmation and the nourishment provided through our Eucharist, Jesus, the Bread of Life. It is a good and appropriate thing that this Holy Saturday period is quiet and contemplative, relaxed and subtly expectant.
The Easter Vigil and all of the subsequent liturgies of Easter will explode our sensual perceptions and provide us with a liturgical extravaganza of auditory, tactile and sensory stimulation. As we participate in the theological burst of liturgical expressions of Jesus' resurrected glory, we are able to closely relate to the Apostles, to Mary and to all the believers in Jerusalem on that first Easter morning. Sorrow turns to joy, darkness is transformed into new light and our joyous expectations of new and eternal life are renewed.
Our faith will again feel the intensity of the Paschal Mystery as the entire communion of the Church proclaims, "Alleluia! Alleluia!" We should most deeply recall the prayer from the blessing of the Paschal candle. "Christ yesterday and today, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega. All time belongs to Him and all glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Chill of Good Friday!
Good Friday always make me shiver. When I think of the interior of my Catholic parish on this day, the cold realization of Jesus' suffering and death surrounds me. The Altar is stripped, the sanctuary is bare and the Eucharistic Lord's absence in evident by the open tabernacle doors. The intense sacrifice made by Jesus on the Cross is felt keenly in a Church sans Jesus in the tabernacle.
The quietness of the sacred space echoes faint, "Hosannas", and loud shouts of, "Crucify Him."Here in the parish Church ,in the shouting silence of the empty space, We Catholics begin to feel Jesus suffering and death. That is because we participate in His death through our own initiation at Baptism. Our common Baptism unites all of us and permits us to share in Jesus' Eucharistic sacrifice.
Good Friday does not mark the end for Jesus, nor for us…rather it a sign of hopeful expectation. That expectation transcends the historical and harsh reality of Jesus' crucifixion and death. The expectation is felt in Jesus' complete submission to the will of the Father, and the subsequent Father's power that raises Jesus from the dead. Most Catholics don't usually think of death as an expectant resurrection. Most Catholics separate Jesus' total dependence on the will of the Father from His suffering and death. Most Catholics forget to recall it is the Father that raises Jesus from the dead. We are too lost to think of these aspects of redemption. Too surrounded by the cold darkness of the power of evil. Too overcome with the physical death of Jesus. We don't like to think of a Church without a Eucharistic presence, without light and joy.
However as Catholics we need to focus on not just Jesus' death, but His impending resurrection. The impending resurrection is the theological extension of Jesus' faith in the Father. He suffers the Cross, because He believes in the Father's love. We too need to recognize the same in Jesus. We share in the mystery of Jesus' death because we are faithful of resurrection. The harsh reality of death undergoes a transformation in perspective when there is a belief in the resurrection.
God's love and power transforms the cross from a symbol of shame and death, into a true realization and expectation of new life. Jesus knows this. He trusts in the Father. The Father exhibits faithfulness to His Son and raises Jesus from the cold and empty tomb. It is only after I think of the cold reality of Good Friday am I able to sense the Father's incredible warmth and power. That's what makes us believers in faith. We know that we will not be abandoned in the solitude of death, but will participate in the Paschal glory of the warmth of the Resurrection.
When I remember that the Good Friday story has another lesson to communicate, is it possible to understand that my parish Church will be transformed on Easter Sunday morning. The liturgical reenactment of Jesus' passion is the beginning of the story, not the end. As believers, we have hope in God's power. We anticipate God's resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. When we realize this, shivering stops and I am acutely aware that there is life and warmth in the Resurrection, for Jesus, for us all.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The morsel of Spy Wednesday....and a Kiss!
One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,
went to the chief priests and said,
"What are you willing to give me
if I hand him over to you?"
They paid him thirty pieces of silver,
and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,
the disciples approached Jesus and said,
"Where do you want us to prepare
for you to eat the Passover?"
He said,
"Go into the city to a certain man and tell him,
'The teacher says, "My appointed time draws near;
in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples."'"
The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered,
and prepared the Passover.
When it was evening,
he reclined at table with the Twelve.
And while they were eating, he said,
"Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me."
Deeply distressed at this,
they began to say to him one after another,
"Surely it is not I, Lord?"
He said in reply,
"He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me
is the one who will betray me.
The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him,
but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed.
It would be better for that man if he had never been born."
Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply,
"Surely it is not I, Rabbi?"
He answered, "You have said so."
Wednesday's Gospel reading preludes the betrayal of Judas. How appropriate then is the sometimes used phrase of, "Spy Wednesday," for this period before our celebration of the Sacred Triduum. The events that lead Jesus to the cross are filled with intrigue, suspense and an impending sense of disaster.
Clearly, the powers of good and evil, light and darkness, sin and salvation are poised to exhibit themselves at the place we call Golgotha. The Joannine account of Jesus betrayal seems to show Jesus' deep understanding of His role as the Messianic fulfillment. Judas in his interrogatory and somewhat cynical half statement of,"Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" provides the catalyst for the process of darkness to unravel. What is so significant about this ,"Spy Wednesday" is that it theologically reflects the daily struggles we all endure in order to accept a relationship with the Lord.
To live the life that Jesus intended for us is a perpetual struggle on a daily basis with good and evil. Sometimes when we are questioned about our transgressions, we, sometimes answer back. "It's not me Lord." But the tranquility of Jesus' realization of His mission provides us with hope in the days to come. Rather than provide a discourse to the Twelve, Jesus calmly recalls the Old Testament references to Him and even shares a piece of food with Judas, simultaneously dipping a morsel into the bowl. We should remember that the act of sharing a meal with others is a deeply rooted Semite notion of intimacy and close relationship. Jesus is sharing the meal, not with strangers, but with intimate friends.
Often, we dip morsels and share food with those we love; we feign intimacy and even deceive one another. Jesus is not blind to the events that are revealing themselves as a result of Judas' clandestine negotiations. Judas has turned on Jesus' friendship and love. We too in our lives are sometimes turned against Jesus' love through sinful and unloving activities. There is a real message here in Jesus' tranquil resignation to the events that are coming. Faith in the love and power of the Father.
As believers in the power of God's love and goodness, Spy Wednesday, should provide a period for reflection and introspective prayer. We need to examine our lives and look for the moments that we have falsely shared intimacy with our brothers and sisters in faith. More precisely, contemplate of lack of true, "communio" in our lives. With Judas' false interrogatory response to Jesus, he reveals his true self. Betrayer. Jesus sees right through Judas' false piety and friendship. Jesus sees right through our own appearances when we falsely present ourselves as holy and faithful followers. Our frail human spirit reflects in our sinful acts and lack of faith.
Jesus recognizes this and offers new hope to Judas and us. The "morsel" which Jesus offers to Judas is an offering of friendship and love. Some biblical scholars have even indicated that the "morsel" is symbolic of Jesus' Eucharistic manifestation. Judas does not partake of the meal with Jesus, but he was invited just the same. There is a sense that Jesus recognizes Judas' confrontation with the powers of evil. Jesus does not admonish him or chastise him, but permits Judas to engage in this struggle and reveal the implications of his actions and unfaithfulness. There is hope for conversion. There is hope for grace. There is hope in Jesus' acceptance of the Father's plan. There is hope for Easter glory.
As preparations begin for the Church's celebration of our New Passover ,this Wednesday before the Triduum invites all of us to share in, "Holy Wednesday", not to pursue darkness and evil, but progress on the path of light and life. The Church in its wisdom sees this period of "Holy Wednesday" as a time for personal preparation. Unlike Judas, our preparations should be motivated by the promise of new life in the Paschal Mystery and not a rejection of the "morsel" which Jesus offers to us in friendship and love.
Monday, February 22, 2010
During the season of Lent it is most appropriate that Catholics through prayer and meditation reinvigorate themselves to the quiet mystery God's Word. There is perhaps no greater manner in which to contemplate the mysteries of the life of God than through the ancient art of icons. For most of us in the Western or Roman Church, icons are unfortunately not familiar examples of saintly and theological representation in our Churches. However, I am thankful to say, our cultural and western attitude towards these long revered and ancient Eastern Church depictions of the most sacred is coming to an end. Icons are part of the heritage of the entire Church and should be rightly considered as part of our liturgical sacred spaces in every rite of the Church.
Pope John Paul II had an iconic portrait of The Blessed Mother installed in the papal chapel. It occupies a place of honor and prominence in the sanctuary of the private chapel. Rightly, so, Mary as Theotokos (Mother of God) is one of the most ancient titles attributed to Mary (at the Council of Ephesus, A.D. 431). Veneration of icons in her image offer modern faithful Catholic's an opportunity to not only personify our image of the Blessed Mother, but also permits us to transcend to a deeper contemplation of Mary's sanctity through the iconic image. Through the introduction of an icon of the Blessed Virgin in the papal chapel, John Paul II was providing a living testimony to his belief that both Eastern and Western traditions are indeed the "lungs" of the Body of Christ.
The Church, locally and universally needs to foster the development of artistic appreciation in our local parish communities. Often the case, when our sacred spaces are designed, redesigned, altered or modified the true integrity of inclusion of qualitative sacred art is neglected. There is an unfortunate trend towards mass production of our sacred furnishings and accessories. This needs to be changed. Local parish communities need to be aware of the talented men and women that offer their gift from God of artistic inspiration to our Church communities. Those entrusted with the proper design and execution of Catholic architectural design need to include our local artists and artisans in their sacred projects. Quite often, the artist proficient in sacred art is in our own back yard.
Iconography, as an artistic discipline involves many stages and nuances. Strictly speaking, all of the details that are included in an icon are regulated by theological revelations or ecclesiastical traditions. Colors for example, dictate the correct portrayal of Jesus' humanity, another that portrays his divinity and so on. These details of artistic appreciation help us in our spiritual development and serve as very strong signs and symbols of our Sacred Mysteries. In the local Philadelphia area, Susan Kelly VonMedicus, is an iconographer that provides all denominations of faith inspiration through her writing of sacred icons. Her hagiography of Jesus, the Apostles and Martyrs and the Blessed Mother all provide us with a portal that leads us to a deeper appreciation and understanding of Mysterium Fidei. Icons as executed by Susan Kelly VonMedicus are exactly the qualitative artistic expressions that we need to include in all of our Sacred Spaces. As faithful and concerned Catholics, our goal should direct of attentions to providing the best possible resources for our liturgical prayer and worship. Perhaps, a greater appreciation of iconography can be achieved by appreciating the works of such a gifted artist as Susan Kelly VonMedicus. Art and the qualitative expression of artisans is as much part of our Catholic history as evangelization and catechesis. Honestly, the visual arts represent well-honed tools that permit us to effectively spread the Good News and teach the Gospel mystery. In the planning and development of our local Catholic communities, we need more than ever to incorporate the works of our very talented and gifted artistic brothers and sisters, as we design our Churches, our Holy of Holies.
In our Lenten journey of prayer and sanctification, icons present an integral part of our spiritual journey and transformation of faith. Perhaps, we can develop the tradition in the Roman Church of placing an icon in our homes to remind us of God's presence among us. In her writings the 20th century author, Catherine deHueck Doherty recalls the great gift of icons in "Poustina". Poustina correctly is translated as a desert place. In her writings, Catherine deHueck Doherty illustrates the great role icons hold in the Eastern Church and in her continued conversion towards Christ. As we celebrate Lent, let us incorporate an appreciation and affection for the use of icons as we journey for our 40 days of spiritual poustina.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
StoryTel Foundation...renewal through media technologies!
Saint John Cantius Parish on Chicago’s North-west side was a victim of urban decay, isolation from multiple highway expansions and decreasing parish enrollment. However, through the activities and inspiration of Father Frank Phillips, the parish destined for closure became an inspirational oasis for the rebirth of parish activities and a new life. While attending Sunday Mass at the Church both Don & Chris Carney were deeply inspired by the old church’s architectural grandeur and deep spiritual intensity, they decided to help with the development of a documentary. Saint John Cantius; Restoring the Sacred marked the first production for StoryTel Productions. Working with Father Frank Phillips they produced a broadcast quality documentary that reveals the life of Saint John Cantius Parish as it struggled to regain a vision and renewed purpose for its Catholic ministry.
Initially, the parish was one of the first in the Chicago Archdiocese to celebrate the Eucharist in both English and the traditional Latin. Prior to the promulgation of Pope Benedict’s Summorum Pontificum, the Mass of Pope Paul VI was celebrated in Latin according to the norms directed by the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council. The parishioners of the parish responded favorably and people started to return to this challenged parish for Mass, and increasingly other religious and social activities. The balance achieved between both the old and the new seemed the balance that drew people back to the local parish community of Saint John Cantius. StoryTel Productions also played a pivotal part in this evangelization of what was going on at Saint John Cantius. The production of the documentary was view on EWTN and generated interest in the project from all over the United States and even the world.
At the same time, the parish continued to grow and develop, and a new religious community of priest and brothers took root in the parish. The Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius was created at the parish to undertake a unique ministry in the Church, namely…a restoration of the sacred. The baroque architecture of their parish, the stained glass, the statues and the ability to celebrate both the ordinary and extraordinary forms of the Eucharist provided the seminal activities that rejuvenated the parish, and StoryTel told the tale through its video production.
The production of a documentary is quite an expensive undertaking and that is where the industrious and creative activities of both Don & Peter Carney kicked in. Don Carney drew on years of experience in the entertainment industry and Peter Carney marshaled his expertise in the financial industry. Together, they generated philanthropic support for the production and distribution of the, On Assignment ,DVD and produced a source of evangelization, catechesis and revenue generation for the parish of Saint John Cantius. Fr. Scott Haynes, CRSJC of Saint John’s calls the work of StoryTel, “a powerful tool for our parish’s revitalization and the work of our religious community! Fr. Haynes also called the documentary, “a decisive tool for attracting vocations, a video that clearly proclaims, who we are and what we do!” Excitedly, he also praised the documentary for its monetary contributions to their ministry.
When speaking with Don Carney of StoryTel, one cannot help but feel the energy and dynamic enthusiasm he brings to his company’s vision of restoration and revitalization of sacred Catholic activities and ministries. The mission for StoryTel is not one of self promotion, it is a company that genuinely wants to make a difference through the videographer’s camera lens, telling the stories about people and places that need financial, spiritual and temporal help and renewal.
Peter Carney directs the behind the scenes activities of generating financial support for StoryTel’s projects and generating interest with individual and corporate sponsors. While not the person behind the lens, Peter is another dynamo of committed activity and has a contagious devotion to the economic benefits StoryTel offers to humanitarian aid through the production of its documentaries.
Together, both brothers are developing a not for profit corporation that is committed to utilizing the latest technologies in media communications to spread the message of the Gospels by contemporary media productions that inspire faith and restore our appreciation of the sacred.
StoryTel Productions has produced a second documentary, Salem Christian School; All Things Are Possible that illustrates the heroic battle of a Chicago inner-city school to keep bringing the message of Jesus Christ with high-quality education. The story follows the changing demographics, economic problems and the challenges in keeping a school alive in both faith and physical school functions. The documentary clearly shows the efforts of students, faculty and other heroes that keep the school alive despite the adversity of the city, the school system and persistent pessimists working towards the school’s institutional demise.
StoryTel Foundation provides an uplifting spiritual perspective on parishes and schools that are often presented with monumental tasks that hope to undermine their Christian message of faith, hope and love in an urban society. StoryTel tells the stories of these institutions in a manner that challenges every person of the Catholic faith to work towards a, “can-do,” attitude in our ongoing need towards a restoration of the sacred in our faith, our neighborhoods and our schools. The work of StoryTel indeed is an embodiment of the call of the Catholic Church towards a new Pentecost in the Church through all modern means and methods of catechesis and evangelization, especially through modern media technologies.
Further information about StoryTel can be found at http://storytel.com . A visit to the site will also provide links and excerpts from their media productions with links to both Saint John Cantius Parish and Salem Christian School. Both documentaries air regularly on EWTN and New Life Christian Network. The stories recounted by StoryTel Productions are infectious and they tell the story of genuine faith and renewal that motivates their production company and the many people and institutions it hopes to faithfully serve.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)