Lenten Art Reflection Videos from Michael Morris, OP

David Clayton of the New Liturgical Movement blog draws our attention to a video series of Lenten Art Reflections by Michael Morris, OP. Clayton also offers some excellent thoughts on the study and meditation of art and how its aim should always be a deeper participation in the liturgy.

I'm thrilled to discover this wonderful resource offered by Father Morris. Embedded below is one of the videos. But go see Father Morris's site for the rest.

Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday, when we commemorate Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The below video gives one of the Gregorian Chant Antiphons for the Palm Sunday procession. Here is the text: Hosanna filio David; benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Rex Israel: Hosanna in excelsis. (English translation: Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel. Hosanna in the highest.)

And here are some wonderful pieces of sacred art to view as you listen to the antiphon.

The first is from Giotto.

Next is from Duccio's famous Maesta.

And here's one from Pietro Lorenzetti.

The Annunciation - March 25

March 25th, nine months before Christmas, is the Solemnity of the Annunciation. This is such a pivotal event in salvation history that there are so many beautiful artistic depictions of this event. Here are a few:

1. By Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1655)

2. Fra Angelico (1434)

3. Fra Angelico (circa 1440)

4. Hans Memling (1482)

5. Giotto (from the Arena Chapel, completed 1305)

6. Leonardo da Vinci (circa 1475)

Solemnity of St. Joseph - March 19

March 19 is a great feast in the Catholic Church, the Solemnity of St. Joseph.

Artist Guido Reni has some wonderful paintings of St. Joseph with the infant Jesus. Here are two.

St. Joseph, pray for us!

Easter Basket Recommendations

UPDATE: The weekend of March 14-15, the Sacred Art Series is having an Easter basket sale. Enter code EASTGIFT at checkout at Amazon and receive 15% off one item or 20% off two or more items from the Sacred Art Series.

Thanks to Shower of Roses blog for recommending the Sacred Art Series in her Easter Basket Stuffers post:

1. Treasure & Tradition: The Ultimate Guide to the Latin Mass (Read my husband's review here.) 
2. Saints for Boys and Saints for Girls
3. Jesus Make Me Worthy (also available from Fraternity Publishing)
4. Rosary Flip Book with Desktop Easel (Sacred Art Series) in 4"x5" or 8"x10"
5. Easter at Ephesus
6. The Holy Gospels of St. Luke and St. John (Sacred Art Series) 
7. Favorite Prayers for Catholic Children (You can find the whole Gloria Series at Sacred Heart Books & Gifts for just $3.00 per book!) 
8. Little Catholics Set: Manners In God's House, Jesus and Mary, I Believe
9. The Little Children's Prayer Book in Hardcover or Paperback

Please go support the Shower of Roses Blog and see the other great Easter basket ideas.