Urgent: Support the Foundation for Sacred Arts!

My good friend Erik Bootsma, graduate of the Notre Dame School of Architecture (and the artist behind the design for American Papist Apparel), sent me this impassioned plea for financial assistance.

I know many members of this organization and would love to see AmP readers get behind their important mission and work. Please read, contribute, and spread the word:

"The Foundation for Sacred Arts is dedicated to a new renaissance in Catholic arts: Painting, Sculpture, Music, Architecture, etc.

The Foundation sponsors speakers, academic forums, arts competitions and exhibitions of contemporary artists who best exemplify artistic excellence with an emphasis on the continuity of artistic tradition. We already have a number of speakers and programs coming up next year and beyond.

The Foundation is, however, desperately in need of financial support to keep its office open and to continue its work of building a solid groundwork for new programs needed to help foster a truly Catholic and beautiful culture of art in the Church today.

Right now the Foundation is actively searching for seed money to jump-start this new programming, while also requiring financial support to maintain current operations.

Every penny is precious right now so small donations are just as welcome as large ones. We hope to eventually raise $100,000 through a combination of individual donations and larger grants."

I think the main challenge facing the Foundation at this point is that they are unknown. Living as Catholics in 21st century America, I think we are all keenly aware of the urgent need to support young Catholic artists who are inspired to create beautiful art in the Catholic tradition.

Beautiful works of art, after all, inspire us to see the beauty of God's creation and the dignity of his creation Man. Good art is fitting praise for the all-good God. And we shouldn't have to look for good Catholic art only in museums and art history books.

Erik recently wrote an excellent article for the Catholic News Agency entitled "Novelty vs. Beauty":

When I tell Catholics I meet that I’m an architect, invariably they ask me, “Why doesn’t the church I attend look like a church? Why don’t they build nice churches like the old ones we love?” Sometimes I come up with a complicated answer or theory, but most of the time I answer, “architects.”

In the United States, we have a fairly good tradition of building beautiful churches in which one can feel a true sense of reverence. One would be hard pressed to find a church built before World War II that wasn’t beautiful and beloved by its parishioners. It would be an even more difficult task to find such a church built after the World War that comes close to the beauty found in an average 1920s church and a Herculean task to find one built since the 1960s.

How is it that even within the Catholic Church, where we affirm and believe in the importance of tradition, that a deep and profound architectural heritage came to be abandoned? Again the answer is that architects, like so many other artists, have become obsessed with the idea of novelty. Most artists have been trained to believe by their mentors in 20th century art culture that only novel or “revolutionary” creations are worthy of being called art.

[Read the full article here.]

Another important factor in the sad situation that Erik describes is, well, money. Catholics must actively help good artists do their work. We've probably all complained at some point about bad Catholic art. Well, I've moved past grumbling and now I want to fix it. And the Foundation for Sacred Arts is well-equipped to do just that, with your assistance and mine.

If you cannot contribute to the Foundation directly, please help spread the word by emailing your friends, blogging about this, and telling your friends about them on Facebook and Twitter. All donations are tax-deductible, so that's an incentive, too.

If you want to contact Erik directly for interviews or publicity, you can do so at "erikbootsma [at] gmail.com."

So the next time you walk into a beautiful or ugly Catholic church, think for a moment about who was responsible for building it. Then, if you want to see more beautiful Churches, or less ugly ones, drop a few dollars in the Foundation's basket. I will.

Augustine wrote that he who sings, prays twice. Well, he who helps those who helps others pray ... well, it works out pretty good for them, too! I know I can count on you papists.

Thomas More College launches Sacred Art Program

I'm always happy to see new innitiatives like this one:

The Thomas More College officially launched its Way of Beauty Art Program with the arrival of its new Artist-in-Residence last week. David Clayton, a leading artist from Great Britain, is trained as both an iconographer and in the Western naturalistic tradition. He will spearhead the program, which will include on-campus lectures and mentorships, and may ultimately evolve into a fine arts major being offered at the College. [More from their website.]

Scroll down the bottom to see a interview he gave on YouTube recently.

Buy Pope Art - Help Catholic High Schoolers!

From AmP reader Chris:

"My kids attend the OC High School of the Arts. They launched their online auction today that helps fund the school. They had one item you may be interested in: a Pope Benedict XVI Drawing. From: http://www.saintsgallery.com/"

Darn straight I'm interested - and maybe a papist benefactor will want it for themselves!

Video: "Real Life Priests Become Popstars"

(... as opposed to "fake dead" priests?! Anyway, not to distract:)



The story.

More about the "clergy sex abuse garden" in Oakland

When I first reported the clergy sex abuse garden planned for Oakland's new Cathedral of Light, I commented that "Abstract landscaping is not how Catholics heal spiritual and psychological trauma."

Today CNN does a story on it:


Photo caption: "Terrie Light, a victim of sexual abuse, says this broken rock represents the shattered lives of victims."

She explains: "She says the garden's centerpiece, a symbolic low stone sculpture that's broken, is fitting for those whose lives were shattered by priests. "The energy that the artist put was this circular stone trying to pull itself to become unbroken. That is our journey. That is what we try to do every day -- is to try to be unbroken."

She goes on: "Terrie Light, who has been a vocal advocate for abuse victims for many years, says getting the garden built was not an easy process. "We got silence, then we got passed around," she says."

Even worse:

The bench placement is deliberate and takes into account the feelings and needs of abuse victims. Those who choose not to face the cathedral end up facing a small lake across the street.

So people are expected to come all the way to the Cathedral, to the abuse garden, only to stare ... away?

More of this:

Why outside?

"There are people that want to go into a church that cannot. It's too painful, too emotionally traumatizing," she says. "There are other people that are ambivalent -- that want to be there and not want to be there. This gives them the option."

The garden is not what survivors had originally envisioned -- a lush, English garden with flowers and trees. But they are pleased with the outcome.

First of all, again, this garden should not serve as an alternative to the true reconciliation which must occur within and through the Church. Nature walks and foux spiritualism are not how such wounds heal.

Oh, and - wait a minute - they say they wanted a lush, English garden "with flowers and trees"?! Then who was pushing for the modernist/abstract solution that was actually implemented?! Questions, questions ... regrets.

Picture: Medieval Catalan Pantocrator Art

The Blog of the Courtier has an interesting post on the history of the Pantocrator theme in the art of the Catalan Pyrenees in the medieval ages. My favorite:

More here.

Of course, my personal favorite Pantocrator is in Florence, Italy. I took a photo of it when I had the opportunity of seeing it in person a few years ago, and subsequently turned it into a desktop wallpaper. If only the shot hadn't turned out slightly fuzzy. I am rather pleased it somehow is featured on the first page of Google Image search when you look for "Catholic wallpaper." I think it's a good entry.

Has anyone else discovered beautiful Catholic desktop wallpapers? Drop a link in the combox!

Picture: Economic Readjustments ....

... have happened before:

... and they can be good things.

Oakland Cathedral revisited: "There is no prayer there"

The comment thread on my original post about Oakland's new "Cathedral of Light" has about 90 comments at this point. My editorial observations were minimal, but that didn't stop several people from claiming positions for me (and strongly disagreeing with ... the positions they thought I held).

This thoughtful post by "Vitruvian Duck" gets closer to identifying the concerns I had when I first saw pictures of the cathedral. He received his Masters degree from the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, one of the best (if not only) classical schools of (Church) Architecture in the country.

He visited Oakland recently and made observations philosophical and personal:

"... of modern society we can say 'there is no prayer there'. Men and women bustle about downtown skyscrapers, office workers drone on in the vast oceans of concrete found in office parks across the country.

Rarely, if ever, do they hear the ringing of the bells marking the liturgy of the hours. Rare is the visual reminder that they are called to higher things as they drive past a church, and when we build churches like the new Cathedral of Christ the Light, we are accentuating the problem. Our churches are not inviting people into them. Most of the time, people don't even know what that building is, and what it's for. 'Is it a dentist's office?' 'Is it a museum?' 'Is it a hospital?' 'Oh, that's a church?! I never would have guessed!'

... during the 2 hours or so we were exploring the Cathedral, I didn't see a single person in prayer. Not so surprising. I don't feel compelled to pray at office buildings, either."

Christians are called to be salt and light to the world (Mt. 5:13-16), and I just can't help but feel that this Cathedral of Light is salt that has lost its flavor.

Ph/t: Margaret Cabaniss of Inside Catholic.

Tip: Catholic to the Max T-Shirt Contest

Hey you aspiring Papist designers, here's your chance to land a t-shirt design deal and win some cool prizes!

Movies: "Henry Poole is Here" ... is here!

Back in early June I gave AmP readers an exclusive preview of the new movie staring Luke Wilson and directed by George Lopez, Henry Poole is Here.

Since then, a winner for the theme song contest I promoted has been chosen through your votes.

Tomorrow, on the Feast of the Assumption, the movie opens in theaters around the country.

See a complete list of the cities and showtimes here.

Deacon Keith Fournier writing for Catholic Online sums up the movie like this:

"Henry Poole finds out that in the midst of the stuff of daily life, with all of its pain and struggle, hope really can save you. A truly good film."

The U.S. Bishops' review has some high praise for it:

"This little gem of a film with its truthful emotions, likable characters, and themes of faith and community concern (even when Henry commits a desperate act) should resonate warmly with Catholic viewers."

The trailer (see it in HD over at Apple):

Renew Theology on Tap has even written a discussion guide for the movie.

Sounds like a fun Friday or Saturday night excursion to me!

"Musical Christian Monks Cross Over Onto Pop Charts"

Remember those chanting monks that were becoming extremely popular in the UK?

Well, they're doing just as well in the US:

It isn't every day that a group of Catholic monks find themselves on the pop charts.

Yet that's what happened to the monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery near Vienna, whose CD of Gregorian chants has become a runaway hit.

After its European release in May, "Chant: Music for the Soul" became the top classical album in Britain before crossing over to the pop charts, at one point outselling recordings by Madonna and Amy Winehouse. Even before its U.S. release on July 1, the album became the most popular classical recording in this country, thanks to copious downloads on iTunes.

Call it divine intervention, or perhaps clever marketing on the part of Universal Records, which signed the monks to a recording contract after launching a search in Catholic publications in February. The record company had wanted to capitalize on the growing sales of chant music — which were due in part to the popularity of the video game Halo, which uses chantlike melodies in its soundtrack.

Universal found the monks after their spokesperson, Father Karl Wallner, who also runs their theological academy and Web site, sent in a link to a YouTube video of their chanting that he had posted last September following a visit to the monastery by Pope Benedict XVI. (San Francisco Chronicle)

I've had this CD as my "AmP CD of the Month" for some time now.

Picture: Mangificent Church in Oxford

Your moment of liturgical zen, brought to you by the New Liturgical Movement:

There's more.

Catholic Rap: Elijah & Elisha

Spotted on the happening PhatMass phorum:

Hello everyone, my brother and I have decided to give up 10 years of rapping about anything and everything to rapping about our Catholic Faith. We made this decision a couple of weeks ago and have some sample songs for you guys to check out. If you wanna check out our songs, go to www.myspace.com/twinrecords We will have a brand new myspace page coming soon and also an official website. The myspace link above is the link to our old myspace that we had our "other rap songs" on there but just took them out and put our Catholic songs.We are both devout Catholics who are in love with our faith. We are currently working on an album but for right now, we can give samples. Thank you!!

I listened to one of their songs - not bad, if you dig the genre.

An in a related vein, Pope Benedict said this weekend that young people are called to be apostles to their friends:

Before the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about his July 12-21 trip to Australia for the 23rd World Youth Day. Recounting his experiences at the Sydney event, he encouraged young people to follow the example of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati by being apostles to their friends.

Speaking from the balcony of his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father described World Youth Day as an “extraordinary experience.” He told his audience that in Sydney he met the “youthful face of the Church,” a “multicolor mosaic, composed of boys and girls from the world over, united in one faith in Jesus Christ.” (CNA)

Music ain't a bad way to start.

Video: Cannes '08 Short Film Winner

A good video for a Sunday:


Description:

Fourth annual Short Film Online Competition - Cannes 2008. The NFB, in association with the Cannes Short Film Corner and partner YouTube, is proud to announce that the winner of the NFB Online Competition Cannes 2008 is Alonso Alvarez Barreda for his short film Historia de un Letrero (The Story of a Sign) produced in Mexico/U.S.A.

Running Time : 04:50

With a stroke of the pen, a stranger transforms the afternoon for another man in this emotionally stirring short film by Alonso Alvarez.

[Ph/t: PhatMass user "Seven77"]

AmP Quick Movie Review: The Dark Knight

On Friday I got myself out of the house to catch a matinee showing of the new batman movie The Dark Knight (official website here).

The movie has been hyped to no end, receiving a 94% rating from metareview site Rotten Tomatoes. Early word is that it is set to break countless records at the box office. Watch the high-definition trailer on YouTube here.

Because the movie came to me so highly recommended, I tried especially hard to give the movie an honest, unbiased viewing.

The filming technique and pacing are flawless, and the acting is top-notch. Heath Ledger is absolutely brilliant, and if he certainly deserves a posthumous Oscar.

With a run time of over two-and-a-half hours, there's plenty to absorb while watching it (and plenty to digest after), but I can say with confidence that it's the best movie I've seen this year.

Because the movie is so complex, I've decided to go see it again tonight before I try to review it.

More reasons to be warry of the Brideshead Revisited remake

I gave some reasons before (Video & Commentary: "Brideshead Reinterpreted"?), and add some today:

I don’t mean to be contrarian, but I suspect that the remake of Brideshead Revisited which Nathaniel mentions may not be as promising as he thinks. I wrote a little bit about the outrageously silly trailer: The new adaptation seems remarkable mostly because Emma Thompson’s Lady Marchmain is re-imagined as the villain of the piece.

It’s an open question as to whether the new version of Brideshead excises the Church from the story (as I’ve heard) or worse. A friend sends me this astonishing essay by screenwriter Jeremy Brock, who penned the new adaptation. (Jonathan V.)

Once again, modern artists demonstrate a brazen ability to destroy the achievements of the past.

Tip: Popular European Chant now available on Amazon!

Catholic product/service tip of the day:

Today Chant: Music for the Soul by Stift Heiligenkreuz is released in the U.S.; Amazon starting shipping last week. We can hope that it does as well in US charts as in UK charts, for that would mean several hundred thousand people, or perhaps millions, will be introduced to the holy sound of this great music, perhaps for the first time. Listeners will also be impressed at the sheer quality of the singing and the style. I think I can confidently say that I've never heard chant this well done, ever. It really sets a new standard in my own mind. (The New Liturgical Movement)

Wow - high praise!

AmP Exclusive: Film review of "Henry Poole Is Here"

Last week Corby Pons of Different Drummer got in touch with me about a new movie that had just screened at the Sundance film festival. He said it was worth the time to see and I think you might agree. My thanks to him for giving me an exclusive opportunity to see a screener of the film.

Staring Luke Wilson and directed by Mark Pellington, with an original screenplay by Albert Torres, the movie tells the story of Henry Poole, a man who discovers he only has six weeks to live. Here is the synopsis:

"Henry Poole is Here tells the funny, poignant and uplifting story of a disillusioned man who attempts to hide from life in a rundown suburban tract home only to discover he cannot escape the forces of hope."

The fact that this movie even showed at Sundance is astonishing, given its subject matter and the way topics of faith and hope are treated in it. Well, it's a refreshing development, to be sure.

Before I talk about my impressions of the film, here is the trailer:

(You can also watch the trailer here on Apple.)

I don't intend to give away any spoilers in publishing a few thoughts about the movie. I’ll post a full review of the movie closer to its official release.

First of all, I enjoyed the movie. It passes my essential litmus test for a good film - I would recommend it to a friend. It's a film that talks about ultimates - life, death, faith, despair. Luke Wilson plays the central character very well, and from his first moments on the screen you really can't envision anyone else playing the role.

If I had to speak about only two subjects the film addresses, it would be hope and community.

The film revolves around Henry Poole's loss and discovery of hope. One wonders if he ever really had hope, even before his diagnosis. But perhaps even more, the film is about community. And again, one wonders if Henry has ever experienced a true community. This community of believers is not something he chooses. Indeed, it comes beating at his door when he has locked himself away. The connection between living by hope and living within a community of believers I found especially compelling. Hope, after all, is in the air these days.

The movie also treats the phenomenon of apparitions and spontaneous popular devotions. I think that's an important area to explore and I came away pleased with the essential points the movie tries to make about them. The issues are crystallized by Henry's militant secular opinions about them. This is not to say, however, that he a straw man for those who doubt the authenticity or fruitfulness of devotions, instead Henry says some harsh things that any true devotion should be prepared to answer, and in this film is given the chance. Even the relationship between these devotions and the local hierarchical Church is give attention, and George Lopez (an unlikely choice) plays the part of a Catholic priest respectfully and accurately (with perhaps one exception).

The supporting cast is also strong, and the viewer is told just enough about their characters to understand the role they are to play in Henry's own journey. Albert Torres' screenplay remains minimalist, so as not to obscure the essential drama. The soundtrack is especially strong (but more about that later), and director Mark Pellington's fame as a music video director is put to good use in several set pieces which provide a forward motion to the narrative (as opposed to the "artsy" intermission role they can sometimes be used for in the hands of lesser artists).

I really have to stop myself at this point. Which brings me to my final major point about the film - it's a thinking film. It doesn't attempt to argue a certain point definitively or perfectly answer the questions it raises - it dramatizes the human conflict and allows the audience to follow if it wants. I can't wait to watch this film among friends upon its release and have a long discussion about it. And for me, that's a sign of a good movie.

The early critical reaction that I've found so far is a mixed bag, with Variety horribly (and not surprisingly) missing the point. It tries to claim the movie opposes science and faith, when actually it transcends science in the questions it asks. Hollywood Reporter, meanwhile, tries to put the film in a box I don't think it at all deserves. I think the subject matter of the movie makes most reviewers suspicious, and they resist the path which the movie attempts to show them.

The film will be released August 15th, but don't worry, I'll remind you.

(I should note as well that I love showcasing quality art, so drop me an email if you want some exposure!)

... but wait - there's more!

I told you the film already features an excellent soundtrack. I also told you its director Mark Pellington made his start with music videos (U2, Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, etc). Well what I didn't say is that the producers have partnered with MySpace to let bands write a song and have their music video directed by Mark Pellington and played during the movie's ending credits!

The clock is ticking to send in your submission so hurry over and spread the word. A winner will be chosen from among the finalists by the online community, and I'll be sure to mention that as well. I'd love to see one of the many deserving (undiscovered, unsigned) Christian bands win the contest.

Picture: Vector Pope Benedict

Easily the strangest artistic rendering of Pope Benedict I've come across.


And considering the random nature of the internet, that's impressive.

P.S. I don't much care for it, but can you imagine seeing this on a highschooler's shirt?

Ph/t: Phatmass user "Ash Wednesday."

AmP Spotlight: Mike Mangione Band

Last night I saw Mike Mangione and his band perform at the Quincy House in Brookland, DC (which is quickly becoming the hot spot for local Catholic/Christian musicians - check it out if you are in the area).

After their instruments were safely stowed, I talked with Mike, his brother Tom, and learned more about their inspirations and plans. They are not only impressive men personally, they are fantastic musicians, and it's my pleasure to introduce them to AmP readers.

Mike told me about studying theology of the body and the writings of John Paul II, and (if I'm allowed to give it away), the story of him proposing to his wife at World Youth Day. His brother Tom mentioned that they often play for Catholic students at Newman centers as well as listening rooms across the country. Their song lyrics reveal their understanding of Catholic theology, and their song topics show their sensitivity to issues especially important to Catholic youth.

And as you can see, they also put some serious heart and soul into their music:

These guys work hard (Mike's performed over 150 times a year in the past three years), and it's paying off:

Born in Illinois, and now residing in Milwaukee, Mike Mangione is quickly becoming a familiar name throughout the city's growing music scene. Bringing an organically subtle, yet expressive sound, Mangione has drawn comparisons to such songwriting heavyweights as Ryan Adams and Elliott Smith.

In the past three years, Mangione has averaged 150 shows per year, performing in countless venues and festivals including SXSW and Milwaukee's own Summerfest. Needless to say, Mike Mangione has been putting in more than his fair share of work, and has a large mass of live experience. His previous album, "There And Back," charted as high as No.16 on the CMJ countdown, proving his following has grown to respectable lengths.

Now touring behind his new opus "Tenebrae," Mangione feels ready to spread that following to even greater amounts with much-deserved confidence in the album. "Tenebrae" is a classic-sounding piece full of beautifully arranged acoustics and Mangione's vocals can be heart-breakingly delicate at times, comparable to how James Blunt only wishes he could sound. [source]

I think it's clear that Mike is a very promising up-and-coming artist.

So how can you get involved?

Listen to tracks from his latest album, Tenebrae on his MySpace page (for free).

His website has a list of upcoming shows; he'll be criss-crossing the nation in the coming months - so check it out! His website also has more information about him, including some fun facts that I thought I'd share:

Tom Mangione took guitar lessons from a teacher with a glass eye who didn't realize Tom was playing upside down until three months into lessons. When the mistake was discovered Tom figured he had learned way too much on the instrument and the information was irreversible. Arguably the best and worst decision he ever made.

Mike was cast as "Mail Boy" in the Will Ferrell movie "Anchorman" and can be seen through out the movie in the office scenes. Can you find him?

Mike is a firm believer in the Theology of the Body.

Mike's song "It's Me, Not You"was just picked up by Burger King for licensing!

Finally, Mike mentioned to me that he and his bandmates have been invited to perform at World Youth Day in Sydney Australia. They do, however, have to find a way to pay their way, so once the setup an easy online way to assist them, I'll post on that as well. In the meantime, buying their music is a great way to start!

As for me, I'll be dropping the tracks from Tenebrae and There and Back Again on my mp3 player tonight.

As a final treat, here's a short video of his performance the night I heard him at Quincy House:

If the sound quality is poor, it's the fault of my camera - not the Quincy House or Mike.

Bottom line: I believe Mike Mangione is exactly the combination of real artistic talent and positive Catholic values that I hope and trust will flourish as part of the ongoing second spring of Catholic culture.

(I should add: other Catholic artists who will be in Washington DC are welcome to drop me a line.)

Act One now accepting summer program applications

Act One is the best way for Christians to get their foot in the Hollywood door. BettNet has more.

Exclusive: Pictures of Pope Benedict's DC Mass pulpit, lectern & chair

Today the winning design for the pulpit, lectern and chair that Pope Benedict will use for his public Mass at DC's Nationals stadium during his April visit was unveiled.

I was able to tour the exhibit this afternoon and take a few photographs of the chosen models. Enjoy!

The complete set of photos is available on the AmP Flickr page.

From the CUA press release:

Washington DC - Student Winners of Papal Design Contest Announced at CUA

The winning architectural design by two Catholic University students for a 10-by-4-foot papal altar and a pulpit, lectern and chair that Pope Benedict XVI will use when he celebrates Mass in Washington, D.C., was unveiled today at The Catholic University of America, D.C., in partnership with the Archdiocese of Washington.

The model by John-Paul Mikolajczyk, of Staten Island, N.Y., and Ryan Mullen, of Manchester, N.H., both candidates in the master's program at Catholic University's School of Architecture and Planning, shows an altar with a substantial top, a repeating pattern of decorative parabolic arches beneath it and a smaller base.

...

At the unveiling, Most Rev. Donald W. Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, said that the design is "a tribute to this school of architecture, Catholic University and the quality of students here.

Twenty-one entries were submitted for the design competition, or charrette, which was held last week at CUA's Edward M. Crough Center for Architectural Studies, where the winners were announced.

The top award for the design competition will receive a $1,500 prize. The second-place winner will receive $1,000 and five honorable-mention winners will each receive $500. The proposed designs will be displayed at the Crough Center for about a week.

More information from the press release:

The front of the pulpit (or ambo), where the Holy Father will read the Gospel, is adorned with images of the Bible and the Holy Trinity. The tall chair back is decorated with Pope Benedict XVI's papal coat of arms.

Mikolajczyk and Mullen will work with architecture faculty and the Archdiocese of Washington to fine-tune the design and actually construct the altar and the other furnishings at the Crough Center. The four pieces will become part of the sanctuary for the Mass that Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate April 17 at the city's new baseball stadium, Nationals Park. Following the Mass, the pontiff will give a major address on Catholic education at CUA.

Students, working individually or in teams of up to four people, prepared their models and drawings over an intense few days of work between Jan. 18 and Jan. 23. The entries were judged on Jan. 24.

Catholic University's School of Architecture and Planning is the largest in the Washington, D.C., area. The school offers a bachelor of science in architecture, master of architecture and master of architectural studies and its graduate program concentrations include cultural studies/sacred space, design technologies, digital media, real estate development and urban design. For more information see
architecture.cua.edu.

[Above photo credit: Tony Fiorini, CUA - "Ryan Mullen and John-Paul Mikolajczjk and their winning papal design." All other photographs: Thomas Peters, AmericanPapist blog.]

So, what do you think of the chosen design?

Noted: Vatican Nativity Scene to be set in Nazareth, not Bethlehem

CWNews:

In a break from tradition, the life-sized crèche in St. Peter's Square will show Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in their home at Nazareth rather than in a stable in Bethlehem, the Vatican has announced.

Instead of the familiar scene of the Baby Jesus laid in a manger, the Vatican's Nativity scene this year will show the infant Jesus in a home that also includes his father's workshop. No reason has been given for the change.

The crèche will include many of the same figures that have been used in the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square for the past 25 years. Several new statues have been added this year, however.

The Christmas crèche, located in the center of St. Peter's Square, was introduced to the Vatican in 1982 at the suggestion of Pope John Paul II. The Nativity scene, which is currently under construction, is unveiled after midnight Mass on Christmas eve.

Time to give St. Joseph a little attention...?

From the papist archives:

St. Joseph by Gerard van Honthorst, c. 1620. Gallery of his paintings here.