The Old Testament begins with the creation of the world. The New Testament begins with the coming of Jesus, the first seeds of Christianity. Faith is rooted in creation.
As such, humankind has honored the Creator, while at the same time acting as His creative conduit through all manner of expression. This includes visual art.
Some stunning new examples of contemporary sacred artwork – bronze sculptures, mosaics, a spectacular tapestry and much more – have been commissioned and will adorn Christ Cathedral when the refurbished house of prayer is dedicated on July 17, 2019. All beautiful and important, these works will serve as a sign and source of faith for years to come, thanks to the efforts of gifted artists, the Diocese’s Sacred Arts Commission, generous donors and the Orange Catholic Foundation.
Part of the Catholic cathedral’s renovation project, the commissioned artwork wouldn’t have been created without funds provided by big-hearted donors who gave to the Orange Catholic Foundation. For this reason, “We’ll have a donor wall that will include the names of those who gave large gifts for this purpose,” says Tony Jennison, the Orange Catholic Foundation’s vice president of philanthropy and a member of the Diocese’s Sacred Arts Commission and the Cathedral Construction Advisory Committee.
The cathedral’s artworks will include, among many others:
• A crux gemmata, made of a bleached- or white-cedar image of Christ, suspended over the altar table
• Two bronze bas relief works that depict the manifestation of the Lord’s divinity in the Scripture: the Adoration of the Christ Child by the Magi, the Wedding Feast of Cana, the Transfiguration of the Lord on Mt. Tabor, and the Baptism of the Lord by John the Baptist
• 14 Stations of the Cross, also created in bronze bas relief to be in continuity with the four manifestations
• 12 dedication lights suspended from the cathedral’s interior walls, each representing the 12 Apostles
In addition, stunning works in mosaic – a medium used in early Greek, Roman and Christian art – will adorn the cathedral.
“Two floor mosaics will be located in the Narthex [the cathedral’s entry area],” Jennison says. “They’ll depict two coats of arms: one for Pope Francis and one for Bishop Vann.”
The Diocese’s patroness will also appear in mosaic. “The Our Lady of Guadalupe piece will be located on the cathedral’s south interior wall,” Jennison says.
A vibrant tabernacle will inhabit the round Blessed Sacrament Chapel. “The piece was originally commissioned for a convent, but it didn’t make it there,” Jennison says. “It wasn’t for sale, but Msgr. Arthur Holquin and Brother William Woeger reached out to the family of noted German artist Egino Weinert and negotiated to acquire it.
“The tabernacle and the mosaics are all very vivid,” Jennison says. “These works will really stand out and ‘pop.’”
Full story at Orange County Catholic.
But the bronze sculpture of the baptism of Our Lord is … ugh, ugly! What are we celebrating in this article? This is not inspiring Catholic art. It’s weird to look at. Can’t we see that?
This is just ugly. This is not art that last hundreds of years. In 20 years the faithful of Orange will walk into their Cathedral and wonder, “What were they thinking and why did they waste our money on that!”
Another ultra modern mega church, like the Cathedral of Los Angeles and the Cathedral of San Francisco … an eyesore devoid of true Catholic beauty.
This is NOT sacred artwork!!
I’ve never liked “donors walls” in Catholic churches. They’re fine for museums and concert halls, but donors to the church should be anonymous. I question the sincerity of donors who “gave large gifts” but who insist on or expect recognition of their wealth. The widow’s mite is just as pleasing in God’s eyes.
I am stunned by the ugliness of the work. What sort of Dark souls produces these types of works. So devoid of beauty..
I think it is beautiful and powerful, and, yes, inspiring. Christ’s humanity is emphasized in a moving way.
Roger Mahony boasted that the new LA Cathedral would stand for 700 years and in 699 years, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, will still be the ugliest building in DTLA. The ”Catholic” renovation of the Crystal Cathedral is another demonstration of the sad spirit of the Council, where spiritual language, orthodox liturgy, high art & music are still regarded as retrograde & old-fashioned. Orange County is filled with avant-garde, postmodern crap and Christ Cathedral will be a new addition to the sad Orange County scene. Holy Mass at the cathedral will be just another priest/congregation-centered hootenanny.
Jesus looks as if He needs baptism! He needs new life! As for people who give large amounts being recognized, Jesus says to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…keep your deeds of mercy secret. Some may have given only a few dollars, but perhaps that was all they had!
What on earth as happened to traditional Catholic art? Surely they could have come up with something better.