Catholic Art Institute

06/13/2026

“Visible churches are not simply gathering places but signify and make visible the Church living in this place, the dwelling of God with men reconciled and united in Christ” (CCC 1180)

06/13/2026

Many thanks to everyone who joined us for our Christian Art Tour at the Walters Art Museum this past Sunday. It was a wonderful way to conclude our retreat weekend, and I was delighted to spend the afternoon exploring one of America's great museum collections with so many members and friends of the Catholic Art Institute.

A very special word of gratitude goes to Mary Elizabeth Podles, who generously shared her expertise and led a truly fascinating tour. Mary guided us through the remarkable story of Christian art from its earliest beginnings, tracing its development through the Byzantine and Medieval eras, into the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Along the way, she illuminated not only the artistic achievements of these centuries but also the theological, historical, and cultural forces that shaped them.

Equally fascinating was learning about the history of the museum itself and the vision of William T. Walters, whose passion for collecting laid the foundation for the extraordinary collection that visitors enjoy today. His son, Henry Walters, would later expand the collection and establish the museum as a public institution, creating a lasting gift for future generations.

The Walters houses one of the most impressive collections of sacred and historical art in the United States, and Mary's insights brought these treasures to life in a memorable and engaging way. We are deeply grateful for her time, generosity, and scholarship.

Thank you again to everyone who attended. It was a joy to share the experience with you, and I look forward to seeing many of you again at future Catholic Art Institute events.

If you missed this tour, we hope to organize another visit to the Walters Art Museum in the near future. In the meantime, be sure not to miss our annual Christmas Art Tour at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., led by William Newton. This popular event explores the rich tradition of Christmas imagery in Western art and is always a highlight of the Advent season.

Tickets will become available later this year. If you are not already subscribed to our mailing list, we encourage you to sign up through the contact page on our website so you can receive announcements about this and other upcoming Catholic Art Institute events.

06/12/2026

ROME & ASSISI ART & DEVOTIONAL PILGRIMAGE

March 10–20, 2027

The Catholic Art Institute is delighted to announce a very special art and devotional pilgrimage.

In partnership with St. Charles Pilgrimages and chaplain Fr. Joshua Caswell, SJC, this extraordinary journey combines the artistic treasures of Rome and Assisi with some of the Church's most profound devotional traditions.

Pilgrims will explore the Vatican Museums, the Villa Borghese, St. Peter's Basilica, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, and many of Rome's most beautiful churches and sacred sites. Along the way, we will encounter masterpieces by Michelangelo, Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio, Giotto, and countless other artists whose work has shaped the visual language of the Catholic faith.

Yet this pilgrimage is about far more than art.

Highlights include a Papal Audience in St. Peter's Square, daily mass and Traditional Latin Mass at Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini, visits to the four Major Basilicas of Rome, prayer at the Holy Stairs, and opportunities to venerate some of Christianity's most treasured relics and devotional objects. Pilgrims will also participate in special observances connected to the Feast of St. Joseph, including the veneration of St. Joseph's Cloak.

Whether you are an artist, patron, architect, musician, scholar, or simply someone who loves the richness of the Catholic faith, we hope you will join us for what promises to be an unforgettable pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage Highlights

• Papal Audience in St. Peter's Square
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
• Villa Borghese Museum
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Basilica of St. Mary Major
• Basilica of St. John Lateran
• Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
• Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi
• Holy Stairs (Scala Santa)
• Veil of Veronica
• St. Joseph's Cloak
• Feast of St. Joseph Celebrations
• Ancient Roman churches and catacombs
• Basilicas of St. Francis, and St. Clare, plus St. Carlos Acutis in Assisi
• Fellowship with fellow lovers of Catholic art and culture

Link for more information is in the comments.

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, one of the most beloved devotions in the Catholic tradition.

Through the revelations received by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque between 1673 and 1675, Our Lord revealed His Sacred Heart as a symbol of His infinite love for humanity—a Heart burning with charity, wounded by sin, yet overflowing with mercy. He called the faithful to return His love with love, prayer, trust, and reparation.

To those devoted to His Sacred Heart, Christ made a series of promises, including:

• I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
• I will establish peace in their homes.
• I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
• I will be their secure refuge during life and above all in death.
• I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
• Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
• Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
• Fervent souls shall quickly rise to great perfection.
• I will bless every place where an image of My Heart is exposed and honored.
• I will give priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
• Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart.
• Those who receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months shall receive the grace of final perseverance.
Families are encouraged to place a blessed image of the Sacred Heart in a prominent place within the home as a public acknowledgment that Christ is the true King of the family and the center of Christian life. Our Lord promised special blessings upon homes where His Sacred Heart is honored and loved.

Today is an especially fitting day to enthrone an image of the Sacred Heart in your home and to consecrate yourself and your family to His loving Heart.

Prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I consecrate to You my life, my family, my work, my joys, and my sufferings. Reign over my heart and my home. Grant that I may love You above all things, trust You in every trial, and faithfully follow Your holy will. Make my heart like unto Yours—humble, pure, and filled with charity. Be my refuge in life, my comfort in affliction, and my hope at the hour of death.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.

Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus (1767) by Pompeo Batoni (1708–1787). Commissioned for the Church of the Gesù in Rome, the mother church of the Jesuit Order.

06/12/2026

Join the Catholic Apostolate Center in commemorating the of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Learn more about the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus by visiting our Feast Day website.

https://www.catholicapostolatecenterfeastdays.org/feast-days-and-solemnities/most-sacred-heart-of-jesus

06/04/2026

Rome & Assisi Pilgrimage • Conference Momentum Builds • Final Spots Left for Art Tour & New Conference Patron Opportunities. This and more in today's newsletter:

Dear Friends of the Catholic Art Institute, As summer begins, we are pleased to share several exciting developments and opportunities from the Catholic Art Institute. From our newly announced Rome & Assisi pilgrimage and preparations for this year's conference, to conference patron opportunities and...

05/26/2026

Registration Closing for Retreat for Artists. Reserve your spot now!

This and more in today's newsletter:

Dear Friends of the Catholic Art Institute, Last call to register for the 2026 Retreat for Artists. Don't miss the opportunity to pray and discern with the writing of St. Teresa of Ávila and Flannery O’Connor. Join us next Friday June 5 through Sunday June 7, 2026 at St. Mary’s Seminary & Unive...