Catholic Art Institute

07/13/2026

07/10/2026

After a year of planning, the Catholic Art Institute is proud to announce the inaugural Bernini Awards!

We are honored to launch a new international awards program celebrating excellence in Catholic sacred architecture and the allied arts.

Named in honor of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and modeled after the distinguished awards programs of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and Traditional Building, the Bernini Awards recognize architects, artists, craftsmen, patrons, and restoration professionals whose work reflects the highest standards of beauty, craftsmanship, theological integrity, and enduring cultural significance.

A distinguished panel of nationally respected architects, artists, and preservation professionals will evaluate submissions through a blind jury process.

2026 Bernini Awards Jury

• Erik Bootsma – Architect, Bootsma Architectural Studio
• John Canning – President, John Canning & Co. & Canning Liturgical Arts
• Kathleen Carr – President & Founder, Catholic Art Institute
• David Riccio – Director, John Canning & Co. & Canning Liturgical Arts
• Anthony Visco – Founder, Atelier for the Sacred Arts

The Catholic Art Institute is honored to have assembled this distinguished panel of jurors and extends its sincere gratitude for their generous service and thoughtful consideration. We also wish to express our special appreciation to James McCrery, whose early counsel helped shape the vision for the Bernini Awards, and to Kathleen Carr and David Riccio for their collaboration in developing the Awards Prospectus and jurying criteria. We are likewise grateful to the members of our jury panel for their thoughtful review, guidance, and endorsement of the Awards framework as we launch this inaugural program.

Award recipients will be honored during the Catholic Art Institute Annual Conference at The Catholic University of America on September 19, 2026.

If you have created work that reflects enduring beauty and excellence in the service of the Church, we invite you to submit your project.

Entries are now open!

Link to prospectus and entry form in the comments.

07/03/2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware
Emanuel Leutze (1816–1868)
1851
Oil on canvas
Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Painted by German-American artist Emanuel Leutze while living in Düsseldorf, this iconic work depicts General George Washington leading the Continental Army across the icy Delaware River on the night of December 25–26, 1776. The daring crossing preceded the surprise victory at Trenton, a turning point that renewed hope for the American cause during the Revolutionary War.

Leutze was less concerned with strict historical accuracy than with conveying the ideals of courage, perseverance, sacrifice, and the pursuit of liberty. His dramatic composition has become one of the most enduring images of the American spirit and of the difficult path that ultimately led to the founding of the United States.

As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of American Independence, we remember not only the courage of those who fought for freedom, but also the responsibility that accompanies it.

Today we thank God for the blessings of liberty and pray for our nation, that she may always seek what is true, good, and beautiful. May we use the freedom we have been given to pursue virtue, cultivate beauty, and serve one another with charity.

Wishing you and your families a blessed and joyful Independence Day.

— The Catholic Art Institute

07/02/2026

A Moveable 'Altarpiece' From New Jerusalem Studios

07/01/2026

A Successful Synthesis of Gothic Revival and Mid-Century Modern

06/30/2026

One of the great problems in the spiritual life is that many Catholics have never been taught what prayer actually is, much less how it develops. Prayer is often reduced to saying prayers, asking God for things, or perhaps reflecting quietly for a few moments. Those seen as very serious avail themselves of extended times in eucharistic adoration or praying the rosary countless times per day (like St. Padre Pio).

But the spiritual tradition speaks of prayer as something far deeper than repetition of individual prayers or devotional acts: it is a gradual transformation of the soul and an increasing union with God.

The great spiritual writers understood this well—including St. Teresa of Avila.

Here's her advice on growing in prayer life: https://bit.ly/4eEywN6

06/26/2026

Don't Wait to Register for Our September Conference

Dear Friends of the Catholic Art Institute, Momentum continues to build for our 2026 Conference, Redeeming Culture: Beauty as a Path to Evangelization, taking place September 18–19 at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. We are delighted to report that all exhibitor spaces have n...

06/26/2026

On June 26-27, 2026, Pope Leo XIV will gather with all the cardinals of the Church in an extraordinary consistory, to discuss the Church's mission.

What if those days found millions of faithful Catholics on their knees before the Blessed Sacrament, praying that Christ’s voice will resound in their hearts?

St. John Cantius is offering Eucharistic adoration to pray for the Cardinals and the consistory. If you're able to commit to spending more time in Eucharistic adoration a link is in the comments to sign up for a prayer time slot.

Please share this message in hopes the faithful can make a real impact on our knees this June.

We are in need of overnight Eucharistic Adorers from June 26-27 🌙

Sign up here and spend time with our Lord: https://form.jotform.com/261593761018056

06/26/2026

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.

06/26/2026

One further LAJ-colourized photo of St. Peter's Basilica with its festal banners and candlelit chandeliers in place -- this time as it would appear from the perspective of the nave.

A caveat for those who like to zoom in on images: The original photograph is dimly lit and low resolution, so some details are not clearly visible However, the purpose here is not to attempt to see the minutiae, but rather to get an overall sense of the appearance and aesthetic of the basilica on solemn occasions.