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A Call to Honesty: Art and Architecture
“We’ve had enough exhortations to be silent. Cry out with a thousand tongues – I see the world is rotten because of silence.” St. Catherine of Siena I should begin this post by saying I am no art expert. I am just a girl who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, subjected to the typically horrendous art, architecture and music that made its way into many Catholic Churches in those decades. Even as a small child, I had a strong visceral reaction to it. I sensed there was something off, something discordant about it. Then I went to Europe and was immersed in beautiful art and architecture — and…
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Barcelona: Gaudi, Works in Progress and the Sacrada Familia
“A church is the only thing worthy of representing the soul of a people, for religion is the most elevated reality in man”. ~Antoni Gaudi~ Gaudi is arguably one of the most famous architects of modern times. No doubt, his greatest work of architecture is the Sacrada Familia. It is one of the most thought-provoking, awe-inspiring churches I have ever visited. If you ever find yourself in Barcelona, it is a must-see for the Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Gaudi was not the original architect, but he quickly became chief architect and visionary for this ambitious project. No doubt, Gaudi was the man for the job. He was highly sought…
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Beauty Will Save the World
“Beauty will save the world.” F. DOSTOYEVSKY, The Idiot Recently I found myself sitting in a faculty concert of some amazing musicians — it was such a gift. I just sat there and was transported to another place — a beautiful place. I found myself being overwhelmed by beauty — in a good way. It was a good moment — a series of good moments, really. It restored my mind and soul after a hectic week. It reminded me of the importance of beauty. Beauty — it’s important. It can lift a soul out of the depths of despair. It can satisfy our deepest desires in this life. It’s a foretaste of Heaven, and…
