Arts News
Iconography classes draw non-Orthodox in search of spiritual images
By Adelle M. Banks, Religion News ServiceWASHINGTON – Anna Schalk finds herself weeping each time she enters an Orthodox church and gazes at the flat, colorful icons of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
One-woman shows bring Scripture to life
By Jean Ko Din, The Catholic RegisterWhen Elisa Lollino performs, it’s not just a play. It’s also a form of prayer.
The ‘Homer Simpsonization’ of men in the media today is a very troubling trend
By Bishop Robert Barron, Catholic Register SpecialTwo recent films, Deepwater Horizon starring Mark Wahlberg and Sully starring Tom Hanks, represent something of a breath of fresh air. Both movies feature men who are intelligent, virtuous and quietly heroic. If this strikes you as a banal observation, that just means you haven’t been following much of the popular culture for the past 20 years.
Medieval crucifix in St. Peter's Basilica 'resurrected' from obscurity
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – His toes curl in pain, his veins bulge from exertion, his bony chest heaves in the last throes of death.
City of peace, division, or both? Met exhibit celebrates Jerusalem as house of mirrors
By David Van Biema, Religion News ServiceFour years ago, the co-curators of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s mind-bending new show, “Jerusalem 1000-1400: Every People Under Heaven,” visited Theophilos III, that city’s Orthodox patriarch, and solicited his community’s cooperation.
Shrine tour opens eyes to Church role in early Canadian history
By Herman Goodden, Catholic Register SpecialI realize it isn’t everybody’s ticket to dreamland. Indeed, I can think of many for whom it would constitute unmitigated boredom and misery. But if you’ve got some sort of semblance of faith or an interest in early Canadian history or an aesthetic love for religious architecture and art (or a galloping case of all three), then a pilgrimage to the Catholic shrines of Quebec can make for a wonderfully stimulating holiday.
Faith inspired gold medallist well beyond the track
By Simon Appolloni, Catholic Register SpecialMost people would know the story of Eric Liddell from the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, where his character was featured along with his Olympic “rival” Harold Abrahams. No less compelling than the Oscar-winning movie — though taking less creative licence — For the Glory portrays a more comprehensive and historically accurate Liddell by exploring the role his faith played throughout his life.
Bible Gateway now lets users search the Bible using emoji
By Emily McFarlan Miller, Religion News ServiceEver wonder what the Bible has to say about praise hands and tears of joy? Now you can search the Bible using emoji on Bible Gateway.
Alfonse Borysewicz’s lonely struggle gives Catholic art a modern face
By David Van Biema, Religion News ServiceWhenever Alfonse Borysewicz addresses a fresh canvas, a daunting set of issues stares back at him.
Emoji Bible makes God a smiley face with a halo
By Lauren Markoe, Religion News ServiceThe Bible just got more textable.
Caravaggio calls to Francis across the centuries
By David Gibson, Religion News ServiceIf Pope Francis wanted a single image to illustrate the special Year of Mercy that is the current focus of his ministry and, indeed, at the heart of his pontificate, he could do no better than choosing an underappreciated masterpiece by the Italian artist Caravaggio.