Previously we have looked at the church of Ss. Nereo e Achilleo in Rome. In one article , we primarily focused on the interior of this very interesting church, while in another , we considered its connection to the Roman Martyrology and Cesare Cardinal Baronius. Today we are …
Before and After: Restorations of the Facade of the Church of Ss. Nereo e Achilleo in Rome
Previously we have looked at the church of Ss. Nereo e Achilleo in Rome. In one article , we primarily focused on the interior of this very interesting church, while in another , we considered its connection to the Roman Martyrology and Cesare Cardinal Baronius. Today we are …
The Veils of the Balustrade (or Chancel Screen)
By now it is well enough known to most that in earlier Christian times, the great canopy (i.e. ciborium) that covered over the altar at one time also included textile hangings (effectively curtains) that could be drawn closed at certain points within the liturgy. This pract…
Baroque Triumphalism in Pennsylvania: Paintings of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Hanover
A little over a year ago we wrote about this particular restoration project by Canning Liturgical Arts at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Hanover, Pennsylvania but I thought it was worth returning to this restoration work to show feature some of the impressive painted w…
Paul the Silentiary on the Lamps and Illumination of Hagia Sophia
For one reason or another, I have a particular fascination with early Christian lamps (lampada). It is perhaps because, like many people, there is an almost instinctual draw to the warmth of flame and candlelight. In the Western church, with the exceptions of the Easter Vig…
Hand-Carved Statuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
As it is the month of the Sacred Heart, I wanted to share some sculptures of the Sacred Heart that were created by the studio of Mussner G. Vincenzo Ars Sacra , located in Ortisei, Italy. Many of our readers will already be familiar with this atelier of course, but for thos…
Before and After: Chapel of Saint Francis de Sales at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia
Today we're pleased to present yet another instalment in the ever-popular 'before and after' series, and today we also get to introduce to our readers a new architectural firm: C.J. Howard Architecture . The project in question involves renovations that were unde…
A Unique and Rare Set of Pentecost Themed Vestments from the Eighteenth Century
Continuing on with our Pentecost considerations this week, I wanted to share a rather unique set that I came across recently. Many eighteenth century vestments were absent of pictorial imagery -- there are exceptions of course, but the fact of the matter is that eighteenth …
Before and After: Corpus Christi in South River, New Jersey
Almost two years ago we featured the new reredos that was installed at Corpus Christi church in South River, New Jersey. Since then the parish has been busily continuing on with its project of beautifying their church -- a good reminder in our time, a time which is so forme…
Further Pentecost Themed Vestments from the French School
Each year, whenever we hit the time of Pentecost, we try to feature some Pentecost themed vestments. We will continue that tradition once again this year with another selection of vestments, this time coming from the French school. In the eighteenth century, French vestment…
A Selection of Historical Antependia for Pentecost
Once again we find ourselves on the cusp of one of the most solemn days of the Church's liturgical year, the great feast of Pentecost. Pentecost, of course, commemorates the Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles fifty days after Christ's resurrection. By way of d…
Elena Neigum on the Icon as a Unifying Language of Sacred Art: East and West in Dialogue
Elena Neigum is an established iconographer and educator who is focused on the analysis of contemporary threats to the Byzantine iconography, advocating for the reaffirmation of the icon as a sacred and theological act within the life of the Church. -- LAJ. Guest article by …
Three Medieval English Embroidered Chasubles
If you enjoy late medieval and/or early Renaissance English vestment work, then you're in luck. Today we're going to share with you three distinctive chasubles taken from the period. Each of this three vestments were made sometime in the 1400's to early 1500'…
The Chancel Screen (Templon) of the Satkhe Monastery Church in Georgia
Over the past year or two, we've expended some time trying to showcase some of the liturgical-architectural features that were at one time commonly found in the churches of both the Christian East and West. One of those elements was the screen that separated the altar a…
A Golden Rose Crafted for the 125th Anniversary of St. Rita of Cascia's Canonization
On feast of St. Rita and the commemoration of 125th anniversary of her canonization. a decorative rose was crafted by Catholic craftsmen to adorn her image in the Augustinian church in Valletta Malta. Gabriel Farrugia, the director of music within the church, also happens t…
