A cardinal reflects on his experience of the conclave
Art
Posted inExplainer, Faith
The history of the Sistine Chapel—where cardinals will choose the next pope
The papal conclave will take place as usual in the hallowed space of the Sistine Chapel. What is the history of this famous church and its artistic treasures?
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
What performing in a silent Stations of the Cross play taught me about slowing down
Lent, as a season of penance and preparation, served as the perfect time to push myself out of my spiritual and physical comfort zone––both for my own sake and for those coming to the performance.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
I went to the Met to look at Caspar David Friedrich’s landscapes. I didn’t expect to find my old Jesuit friend.
It was Drew Christiansen, S.J., even more than Thoreau or Aquinas, whom I was surprised to encounter amid the German landscapes on the Upper East Side.
Posted inFaith, News
Lourdes bishop covering disgraced ex-Jesuit Marko Rupnik’s mosaics on basilica doors
Laura Sgro, lawyer of five alleged victims of Father Rupnik, said she and the women she represents welcomed the news “with joy in our hearts,” and expressed “heartfelt thanks” to Bishop Micas.
Posted inFaith, Your Take
Our readers on the greatness of Catholic kitsch
Our readers offer their appreciation for Kerry Weber’s defense of Catholic kitsch.
Posted inFaith, Features
Catholic kitsch: Why simple religious art is actually great
From glow-in-the-dark rosary beads to St. Christopher dashboard statues and Pope Francis bobbleheads, a tribute to the complicated life of Catholic kitsch
Posted inArts & Culture, Dispatches
The sound of the Christmas season: A history of the lost art of bell-ringing
Bell ringing has a rich history, integrated into daily and liturgical life year-round, a tradition being rediscovered and appreciated by anthropologists, academics, musicians and an increasing number of ordinary people.
Posted inArts & Culture, Ideas
Van Gogh’s holy family—and mine
Looking at the Van Goghs we see a few parallels with the Holy Family, who knew humiliation and repudiation.
Posted inArt, Arts & Culture
Once mocked, Impressionism triumphs 150 years later in Paris and D.C.
150 years after the birth of Impressionism, two dazzling shows have been mounted.