Way of Beauty Rekindling Eucharistic Amazement through Visio Divina
by Jem Sullivan
Way of Beauty Rekindling Eucharistic Amazement through Visio Divina by Jem Sullivan introduces us to twelve masterpieces of sacred art. Alongside each work of art, you will find explanations of the art, smaller close-ups pictured to help us focus on details, prayers of the Mass, Scripture, Catechism quotes, and a guided reflection. Sullivan alerts us to details not to be missed. For the artwork, The Last Supper by Juan de Juanes 1562, we are given, ” The sharp contrast between divine love and human sinfulness unfolds at this meal. Even as Jesus institutes the Eucharist as an everlasting memorial of His suffering and death on the cross, the worst of human betrayals manifests itself. Judas sits on the outer right side of the table, clothed in eye-catching yellow and slyly concealing a moneybag in his right hand. His twisted posture expresses the greed and infidelity that twist his heart and mind toward betrayal. His head is the only one that does not bear a halo.” In the work, The Virgin Adoring the Host by Ingres, we discover that the figure on the left is Saint Helena, mother of the fourth-century emperor Constantine. This saintly woman is believed to have discovered the true cross of Jesus. In the foreground and bathed in radiant light is the serene figure of Mary, clothed in a red garment and a deep blue silk robe draped over her haloed head. Her blue and red garments symbolize the divinity and humanity of her divine Son. Tota pulchra es ( You are totally beautiful”) is a fourth-century prayer honoring and reverencing the Blessed Virgin Mary. We find in Mary an especially trusted pilgrimage companion on the Way of Beauty. Through his mother’s eyes, we encounter Jesus in the Eucharist.” Through Sacred Art, Way of Beauty will lead you on a pilgrimage that will draw you deeper into the mysteries of the Eucharist. Limited copies will be available at the bookrack on November 12, 2023.
Copies available for purchase on the OLPH bookshelf in the narthex around November 12, 2023.