Feast of Fra Angelico

Today we take time to honor one of our Dominican brothers who became an outstanding artist of his time; namely, Fra Angelico who was born Guido di Pietro in 1395 during the early stages of the Renaissance.

There was excitement in the atmosphere as men and women entered the era when the arts were considered the epitome of fine living. Fra Angelico was one of those who would distinguish himself in the fields of mosaics, painting, and illumination. Unlike his fellow artists, he did not pursue the support of wealthy patrons like the Sforza or Medici families. Still, he sought to use his gifts through a life dedicated to contemplation of the great mysteries of the Incarnation and Redemption through the Dominican way of life. He hoped that through his artistic works, he would deepen the faith of those who gazed upon these profound representations of the events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.

Who cannot see the reverence and awe in the face of Gabriel as he approaches Mary, announcing that she is 'blessed among women' and Mary's humility in her acceptance of so great a calling?

It was said that whenever Fra Angelico painted scenes from the crucifixion, his countenance changed into an overwhelming grief as he depicted Christ's sufferings on the cross. So, what does this 14th-century artist have to do with us in the 21st century?

Although few of us are gifted in the same way, that does not mean that what we offer each other is any less inspirational. Each of us has been endowed with particular talents, which, when given generously, can impact each other and our world. But do we truly believe this?

Recently, I heard a lecture by Sr. llio De Melia, who spoke about the sacramentality of each individual. From our Baltimore catechism days, we can all recall the definition of a sacrament. Say it with me: “A sacrament is an outward sign given by Christ to give grace.” This is what each of us is called to be since we were made in the image and likeness of our God. And this divinity manifests itself in the uniqueness of each person's gifts.

Whether it be the ability to be a compassionate listener and have an understanding heart, to affirm one another's calling and personal gifts, or to give an inspiring talk on a piece of literature or any field, or to follow an insight to visit someone who is suffering from loneliness—these are truly gifts that might not hang in the Metropolitan Museum of Art but are divine works. If we believe in the sacramentality of every human being we will realize that criticism and judgment have no place in our lives.

So let us today ask for the ability to be more conscious of how we are using our gifts day after day so that we will bring each other closer to God just as Fra Angelico's works did in the 14^th century. Perhaps this is also a good feast day to recall the artists in our community whose beautiful works of the past and present still adorn our hallways. May their work continue to fill us with the presence of God, the Master Artist in all of Creation.

– Sister Helen R. Boyd, OP

 Sister Helen resides in Dominican Convent, where she serves on the Life Enrichment Committee, co-chairs the Mission Outreach Committee, and is one of our preachers.