What Is Liturgical Art Anyway?

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Have you wondered what makes a particular work of art liturgical? Are there other kinds of sacred art? Could you show some examples? I share a little bit from "Catholic Church Architecture and the Spirit of the Liturgy" by Denis McNamara to give you clarity on the subject.

Agnus Dei, Latin for Lamb of God, is from the Gospel according to Saint John where John the Baptist cries, “Look the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!”  This declaration is sung in traditional liturgy.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us peace, grant us peace.

Agnus Dei is a liturgical arts firm based on John’s confession.  The purpose of Agnus Dei is to make unique works of art that first glorify God and secondly minister to the needs of the church. Each piece is individually made using time honored techniques and materials.  The end result is to create objects of beauty, craft, and detail that will serve generations.  The message of forgiveness of sins and hope of eternal life illustrated in art is “the truest expression of the best of life ” (Saarinen 102).

Saarinen, Eliel. The Search for Form in Art and Architecture. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1985. Print.

Kelly Schumacher

Kelly Schumacher is a 2013 MFA Graduate from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. She is the founder of Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts with the goal of reestablishing classical religious art in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. She is a lecturer and artist and has been featured on KFUO Radio and Issues Etc.