Sacred artwork created more than half a millennium ago inspired students, professionals and priests who gathered on the evening of November 20 for fellowship, friendship, and conversation at the Allentown Art Museum.
Bishop Schlert offered remarks on the goodness, truth, and beauty of art and how it reflects the goodness, truth, and beauty of God. “In this way,” he said, “sacred art can be both evangelism and catechism.”
Following his remarks and warm welcome, the group toured the Allentown Art Museum’s Kress Collection accompanied by Eric Armusik, a nationally known, Hamburg-based artist who creates sacred artwork for churches around the world.
“We can see throughout the ages that sacred art provides opportunities for quiet reflection and even consolation,” said Armusik. “Whether we are talking about my own work or the work of the great Renaissance masters, we all want to bring people closer to God.”
“Art is captivating in an almost wordless way,” offered Adrian Anatalio, a physical therapist from Whitehall. “Similar to how Bishop prefaced that this artwork is a reflection of God’s beauty, the art makes me wonder at the paintings themselves, but also at the realities they represent.”
Along with museum docents, guests enjoyed historic and artistic components of a wide variety of pieces as well as the faith-based messages conveyed in their beauty. The stunning 16th century painting, “Adoration of the Shepherds,” by Giovanni Agostino da Lodi was one of the evening’s favorites.
“I really appreciated learning about the painting’s background and then hearing everyone’s interpretation of the work,” said Faith Wobbeking, a Physician’s Assistant student from DeSales University. “I especially loved being able to join a conversation about the expression on Mary’s face.”
In fact, the opportunity for Diocesan Catholics of different ages, professions and locations to make new friends and strengthen existing connections may have been the highlight of the evening.
“There is a great hunger for community – growing relationships and creating new friendships among active Catholics and those who may be away from their faith,” said Kim Fiorentino, Secretary for Administration, who helped spearhead the event. “Art is a wonderful touch point for bringing Catholics together, and I hope those who joined us took away a sense of excitement and a hope for more opportunities for our Catholic professional community of all ages to gather in friendship.”
