Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

Views from the Choir Loft

What is Catholic Art?

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GWYN_Christ


HERE WAS A wonderful conference on Catholic Literature in Concord, New Hampshire last weekend featuring Dr. Thomas Howard, Dr. Mitchell Kalpakgian, Fr. Michael Kerper and Mr. Joseph Pearce. At the end of the conference, a panel Q&A session ended with the question, “What is Catholic Art?”

It is a difficult question and was not answered definitively. Dr. Kalpakgian explained that any great work of art which touches on Truth is certainly catholic in the lower-case sense. Dr. Howard warned that the danger of holding such a general definition is that everything from Virgil to Hokusai becomes a part of it and we can no longer discuss the art which flows directly from Christ via His Church.

I do not think that Catholic art need express theology didactically or even be created by a Catholic, but I think it should somehow touch upon the mysterious workings of grace within the soul through the means that Christ has instituted in the world… but perhaps that definition is just as broad.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

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Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.