Religious Art at Saint Anselm
Each weekend as we attend mass at Saint Anselm Church we are surrounded by works of religious art. They enrich our emotional experience at mass and inspire a quiet, contemplative atmosphere in our communal worship. However, we have seen them so often that we fail to see them. We have forgotten or do not appreciate what they are and what they are trying to tell us. It is as though we attend mass in a religious art gallery with our eyes closed, not seeing and understanding what has been placed there to enhance our faith.
painting of “The Last Supper”.
In 2013, a longtime community member and lover of history, Bob Santone decided to document the religious art of St. Anselm. A excerpt from his introductory letter explains why.
“On the outside above the entrance, there is a large mosaic with five men, four standing and one seated. Who are they? On the roof above, there is an open cupola with eight legs supporting a cross. We certainly know what the cross stands for, but what is the significance of the eight legs? Inside, high on the wall behind the altar is a statue of a man with a miter holding a crosier resembling a shepherd’s crook. Who is he and why is there a small picture of a sailing ship between his feet? And, all around us in the church are beautiful stained glass windows. What do they depict, what is the meaning of the symbols they contain, who made them and in whose Memoria – remembrance – were they placed there?”. – Robert Santone
The button below will take you to the book, “Religious Art at Saint Anselm Church”. A copy of the book is also available for a nominal fee by contacting the rectory.
ON A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST TO WELCOME, LOVE & SERVE