Sometimes it is just too much to pray using books or even rosaries when people are ill.  But sacred art demands no effort from us in gazing upon it’s beauty. This window to the divine draws our spirit and sweeps us to prayer almost before we know it.  It teaches us the truths of our faith wordlessly – a catechism in brush strokes, mosaics or sculpture.

Picturing Mary is a DVD I’ve had for some time and watch occasionally when I need calm and peace.  With today’s technology we can travel the world and see great images of her that date from very early Christendom.  Whenever I look at it something new strikes me and I am always left wishing for more.

The same can be said of the DVD,  The Face: Jesus in Art.  We are privileged to see images of Jesus from the catacombs through the 20th century and note how he is pictured in many different cultures.  As many sections as this video has, it, too, leaves me wishing for more.

Both of these were made for WNET 13, a New York public television channel.  Whenever I watch them I think what a great teaching aid they would be for home schooling families.  You can stop the video to demonstrate art principles and you can use it for art projects and appreciation.  But most of all, these videos inspire great love for Jesus and Mary through the artwork filmed.  I highly recommend them and have placed them in my store.