Advice on Altar Piece/Art

[TheDoctor]

Thanks again for everyones thoughts. I had a productive meeting with the pastor yesterday. To clarify, the only other crucifix present is a small processional crucifix that was initiated by the current pastor. There are no other crucifixes in the parish. As far as what the image is of it may have to do with the fact that the previous church (it was gorgeous) burned down 20 something years ago. I think the image reflects “rising out of the ashes” or something.

All comments have been helpful to me. Thanks again for your (name removed by moderator)ut. I feel like I have a better grasp of various ways folks may view the image.

I looked up the parish website stmarysalbany.com/. Established in 1885, the former church was destroyed by arson in 1989 and rebuilt in 1992.

The style of the Nave looks very modern and I think you are correct, the art on the wall may very well have to do with the church coming forth from the fire which tried to destroy it. As such, it might mean a great deal to many of the parishioners who saw their church torched and who donated to rebuild it.

Not saying you should or should not proceed, but be aware of the history and the emotions that the piece may represent.

http://stmarysalbany.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC00541-2.jpg

 

[Archangel_Uriel]

Sadly, it doesn’t stir the Holy Spirit inside of me when I look at it. I’ll say it is very abstract and belongs somewhere in a church possibly but not over the altar. A crucifix or something much more clear in its meaning or symbolism would be much better.

As far as what you should do, pray about it and go from there. Many blessings to you and yours!

 

[Angel_Bradford]

It has not been determined that there is no crucifix.
Just that he and some others doesn’t like this creation.
I would not think that a Bishop who dedicated this church would have permitted a church in his Diocese to be built without a crucifix.
:coffeeread:

I merely offered a suggestion.

 

[Della]

A parish close to us has an odd “crucifix” on the wall behind the altar, too: St. Stephen’s Church Crucifix. I find it totally uninspiring and try not to look at it every time we attend Mass there. Just plain ugly is the only way I can describe it. So, I can sympathize with you, bowerj1. If a piece puzzles and/or annoys more than it inspires and lifts the heart/soul, it doesn’t belong in a Catholic sanctuary, IMHO.

 

[AbideWithMe]

I looked up the parish website stmarysalbany.com/. Established in 1885, the former church was destroyed by arson in 1989 and rebuilt in 1992.

The style of the Nave looks very modern and I think you are correct, the art on the wall may very well have to do with the church coming forth from the fire which tried to destroy it. As such, it might mean a great deal to many of the parishioners who saw their church torched and who donated to rebuild it.

Not saying you should or should not proceed, but be aware of the history and the emotions that the piece may represent.

http://stmarysalbany.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC00541-2.jpg

This. Leave it alone.

 

[CB_Catholic]

A parish close to us has an odd “crucifix” on the wall behind the altar, too: St. Stephen’s Church Crucifix. I find it totally uninspiring and try not to look at it every time we attend Mass there. Just plain ugly is the only way I can describe it. So, I can sympathize with you, bowerj1. If a piece puzzles and/or annoys more than it inspires and lifts the heart/soul, it doesn’t belong in a Catholic sanctuary, IMHO.

Since what inspires is largely subjective, it is difficult to really say what does or does not belong in a Catholic sanctuary. For instance, I like the crucifix you say is ugly. So to me, it belongs there. Now I am not arguing, I am just pointing out that more objective criteria has to be met, because what may be puzzling or annoying more than inspiring to one, may be uplifting and inspiring to another. God is big enough to handle it all, though–it is us humans who have the problem. IMO, an “ugly” piece of art is no reason to cause any disruption in a parish, or cause one to leave. Just offer it up. What is more important is the people and one’s relationship with them and the parish and Christ.

In my parish, built in the early 90’s, we do not have a crucifix at the altar. We do have one on the processional cross. We have a very large lifelike wooden statue of the Risen Christ suspended in front of the wall behind the altar. It is huge. I still am not completely used to it, although there are times I really like it, as when the church is dim and a shadow is cast with the outstretched arms, it makes me feel as if I could hide in those outstretched arms and feel very loved. The point is, I love the people of the parish, their kindness and generosity, the priests and deacons are wonderful, the opportunities to serve others are outstanding. I can overlook a lot in decor and external things if I find Christ in the people I worship with.

 

[Della]

My perspective regarding beauty is not motived merely by what pleases me. There are modern art pieces I find quite beautiful, because they obey artistic rules which makes art, just as the rules of physics and music make them what they are. Even modern art must abide by the rules that make art what it is. The pieces cited here disturb the eye and mind rather than lift them to the sublime beauties of heaven, which ought to be their purpose considering where they are placed–in the sanctuary.

I had this kind of thought in mind when I posted my first post:

1162 “The beauty of the images moves me to contemplation, as a meadow delights the eyes and subtly infuses the soul with the glory of God.” Similarly, the contemplation of sacred icons, united with meditation on the Word of God and the singing of liturgical hymns, enters into the harmony of the signs of celebration so that the mystery celebrated is imprinted in the heart’s memory and is then expressed in the new life of the faithful.

 

[pianistclare]

I looked up the parish website stmarysalbany.com/. Established in 1885, the former church was destroyed by arson in 1989 and rebuilt in 1992.

The style of the Nave looks very modern and I think you are correct, the art on the wall may very well have to do with the church coming forth from the fire which tried to destroy it. As such, it might mean a great deal to many of the parishioners who saw their church torched and who donated to rebuild it.

Not saying you should or should not proceed, but be aware of the history and the emotions that the piece may represent.

http://stmarysalbany.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC00541-2.jpg

In the context of this photo, it looks great!