Praying with Sacred Art: Pondering the Mystery of Redemption through Visio Divina
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by Derek Amiel Rotty
One of the most powerful ways of encountering God is through our senses, especially through our perception of beauty. The good, the true, and the beautiful are inseparable, and beauty, rightly considered, always leads to the Creator.
In this rich journey through sacred art, author Derek Rotty accompanies readers through the mysteries of salvation history, highlighting some of the Church’s most moving and celebrated works of visual art. He embraces the concept of visio divina, in which contemplation of sacred art becomes a prayer in much the same way as lectio divina makes a prayer out of Scripture reading.
The Church has always known that images possess the power to communicate truths in a special way. She speaks of sacred art as “a freely given superabundance of the human being’s inner riches.” Thus, the God-given talents of the artist, from ancient iconographers to Caravaggio and beyond, are gifts for the whole Church to bring the faithful closer to the divine.
Rotty reflects on powerful pieces of art and contextualizes them both in Church history and in the practice of visio divina. He explains:
- The classical definition of beauty and why transcendence matters in sacred art
- How sacred art aids contemplative prayer
- The importance of beauty within the walls of the church
- How artists use symbology to communicate eternal truths
In the book, Rotty dissects specific pieces of art, such as the Isenheim Altarpiece and Raphael’s Transfiguration, to aid readers in contemplation of the life of Christ and the divine mysteries. He also includes reflection questions to allow readers to begin their own practice of visio divina.
Praying with Sacred Art takes readers on a sweeping pilgrimage through the movements of the liturgical year, equipping the faithful to “read” great pieces of sacred art and go deeper in their encounter with Our Lord.
Endorsements
“I am happy to recommend this work of aesthetic evangelization, authored by Derek Rotty, a lay leader in the Catholic Diocese of Memphis. In Praying with Sacred Art, Rotty uses the same kind of genius seen in our praying through the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries of Christ the Lord. Rotty offers classic examples of sacred art, adding short meditations with each depiction, as he strives to assist the reader in this visio divina. He highlights the mysteries of Christ the Lord, arranging for visual prayer sacred art that speaks to the mysteries experienced in liturgical seasons. In inviting the reader to ponder the mysteries of Christ through this visual aesthetic, he has given us another help in our longing for the One who is both immanent and transcendent.”
Bishop David P. Talley, Diocese of Memphis
“In Praying with Sacred Art, Derek Rotty escorts the reader into the mysteries of salvation through meditation and reflections on religious truths and scriptural events, as presented in the reveries of artists from all periods. Rotty does not belabor old details but offers new visions. This book would be a welcome addition to any library—and a particular plus to places of quiet thought and prayer—and as reading material for an afternoon spent in any art museum.”
Dr. Geraldine M. Rohling, Archivist-Curator Emerita, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
“The beauty of Derek Rotty’s book Praying with Sacred Art lies not only in his profound (and pertinent) meditations but also in the remarkable catholicity of his artistic selections. Through exquisite, expressive, and engaging paintings, drawn from more than a millennium of artistic traditions, Rotty presents old favorites in a new light and, as an added service, introduces new treasures by lesser-known masters. Praying with Sacred Art expands the reader’s artistic lexicon while enhancing our visio divina.”
Elizabeth Lev, Art Historian and Author, How Catholic Art Saved the Faith
“I’ve waited for a book like this for years. In these pages, Derek Rotty allows sacred art to do what it does best—slow us down, open our eyes, and draw us into the mysteries of Christ. As you move through the liturgical year and the life of Jesus, each meditation will make you feel as if you are standing before a holy image and hearing a quiet word meant only for you. These are not pages to rush through; they are holy pauses—in which beauty guides the soul toward the heart of God.”
Elizabeth Zelasko, Sacred artist; Speaker; Author
“Great works of religious art can help the wandering mind focus on prayer. The distracted soul will find much to meditate on in this richly curated collection of beautiful works, paired with insightful commentary by Derek Rotty. I can imagine, especially, a world opening up for young people as they pore over the offerings of Praying with Sacred Art.”
Leila Lawler, Author, The Summa Domestica
“Derek Rotty’s Praying with Sacred Art should be on every Catholic’s bookshelf! This beautiful collection of art for visio divina provides the reader with well-organized and reflective meditations for every season of the liturgical year. Rotty connects divine art and his rich reflections on it in a way that enhances both and leads the reader to a deeper, more profound understanding of his own spiritual journey to the divine. A wonderful visual prayer book!”
Stephen Auth, Author, Visions of the Divine
Details
| Pages |
240 |
|---|---|
| ISBN or UPC |
979-8-88911-222-8 |
| Dimensions | 8.5 × 5.5 × .625 in |
| Weight | 11.7 oz |
| SKU | 2228 |