The Secrets of Sacred Art

4.6 (9)
VISUAL ARTS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Two sacred artists take listeners on a journey through sacred art to explore what makes some art sacred and how art opens a window into what is good and true and beautiful.

12/16/2024

Durham Cathedral: The Summation of All Things

SSA029: Explore the art, history, and spiritual legacy of Durham Cathedral with Alix Murray and Kathryn Laffrey. Discover St. Cuthbert’s relics, medieval carvings, stunning stained glass, and hidden symbols that reveal powerful stories of faith and devotion at the summit of Celtic sacred art.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Watch this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer The Secrets of Sacred Art. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode:* History of Information – Detail * Wikipedia – Cuthbert * Historic UK – Durham * England’s North East – Durham Origins * British Library Blog – Illustrated Life of St. Cuthbert * TimeRef – Durham Cathedral * New Advent – St. Cuthbert * Durham Cathedral – St. Cuthbert Relics * Manchester Historian – St. Cuthbert’s Coffin* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Email us feedback or comments to sacredart@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 29m
12/11/2024

A Special Advent Message

This is Dom Bettinelli, CEO of StarQuest, with a special message as we approach the Christmas season. Over the years, the StarQuest Network has continued to grow as a unique Catholic apostolate, bringing faith and culture together in ways that educate, inspire, and entertain. Shows like Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World, Secrets of Doctor Who, and Secrets of Star Wars have reached hundreds of thousands of listeners and viewers around the world. This year, we’ve seen exciting developments, including new series, improved video production, and an ever-expanding audience. And we have big plans for next year, including yet more new shows and an exciting opportunity to travel with me and Jimmy Akin to Italy for the Jubilee Year. But with growth comes challenges. We are thrilled to have so many loyal supporters whose generosity makes all our shows possible. It’s also a reality that over time some of our supporters will step away from their giving for whatever reason.However, it is also true that the financial support that sustains this mission currently comes from fewer than 1% of those who enjoy our podcasts and videos. If we’re to continue producing this life-changing content and expanding to reach new people, we urgently need new supporters to join us and current supporters to increase their assistance.This Advent and Christmas—the time when nonprofits like ours receive most of their support for the year—we’re asking you to prayerfully consider becoming part of the StarQuest mission or increasing your support:* If you’re already a supporter, thank you! Your generosity makes everything we do possible. Please consider increasing your support to help us continue growing. * If you haven’t joined as a supporter yet, now is the perfect time. Could you give $15, or even just $10 per month? With your help, we can continue to produce over 50 hours of quality programming every month. * For businesses or individuals interested in leadership-level giving, sponsorship opportunities start at $500 per month. Sponsors receive recognition on our shows and website, helping to support our mission while reaching new audiences.Every gift, of every size, has a lasting impact. Your support allows us to bring the Gospel to people in innovative ways—through podcasts, videos, and more.To make your tax-deductible gift, visit sqpn.com/give. Thank you for being part of the StarQuest family. May God bless you abundantly this Advent and Christmas season!

3 min
12/06/2024

Join Jimmy and Dom for Livestream Event on 12/12/24

Jimmy Akin invites you to join him in Italy in 2025 for the Holy Year for a once-in a lifetime, 12-day pilgrimage to the mysterious shrines and holy sites of Rome, Assisi, and more.You will journey with Trinity Tour Travels who are not only experts in providing the best pilgrimages, but also financially support the Christian community in the Holy Land through their work, which is one of the reasons we have chosen to work with them.Get all your questions answered on December 12, at 8pm ET, in a special livestream event featuring Jimmy, Dom, and our hosts from Trinity Tours Travel. Join us at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUwRtTPuSg8To learn more about the pilgrimage itself, visit the Trinity Tours Travel website.

1 min
12/02/2024

Celtic Cross: Untangling the Sacred Mystery

SSA028: Unearth the rich legacy of Celtic crosses! Kathryn Laffrey and Alix Murray explore these iconic symbols of Christian faith in Ireland and Scotland. Discover their fascinating history, diverse styles, intricate symbolism, and the captivating legends that surround them. This episode dives deep into the artistry and faith that have made Celtic crosses enduring treasures of sacred heritage.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Watch this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer The Secrets of Sacred Art. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode:* St. Martin’s Cross, Island of Iona * Sonia Halliday Photography * Coptic Curtain, ArtsMia * Muiredach’s High Cross, Wikipedia * Celtic Bishop Cross Slab, Isle of Man * Kirk Michael, Great English Churches * Isle of Man News, BBC * Grimm’s Cross, Culture Vannin * Manx National Heritage, iMuseum * Irish Stones, Muiredach’s Cross * Celtic Cross Photo, Flickr* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Email us feedback or comments to sacredart@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 18m
11/18/2024

The Queen and the Fisherman

SSA027: Saint Andrew and Saint Margaret of Scotland: Alix Murray and Kathryn Laffrey discuss the saints’ impact on Scotland and sacred art, including the significance of relics and imagery, the devastating effects of iconoclasm, and Margaret’s compassionate leadership.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Watch this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer The Secrets of Sacred Art. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode:* St. Andrew * St. Mary’s Cathedral * 3D model of St. Andrews Sarcophagus * Historic Environments Scotland 3D models * St Rule’s Tower * St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh * Hexham Abbey * Hexham Abbey – Acca’s Cross * St Margaret of Scotland * St Margaret of Scotland – Our Saints * 6 Things About St Margaret * Scottish Heroine: Saint Margaret’s Relic Removed for Archaeological Examination * St Margaret’s Way * St Margaret’s Relic * St Margaret’s Chapel * St. Margaret’s Gospel * St Margaret’s Cave* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Email us feedback or comments to sacredart@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 12m
11/04/2024

Menagerie in the Margins

SSA026: There are animals everywhere in sacred art, so Kathryn Laffrey and Alix Murray explore the symbolism, history, and significance of animal imagery, from cranes and peacocks to lions and serpents, in Christian art, and especially Celtic art like the Insular Gospels.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Watch this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer The Secrets of Sacred Art. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode:* Animal Symbolism in the Book of Kells – Trinity College Blog * Aberdeen Bestiary – University of Aberdeen * The Lindisfarne Gospels – Visit Lindisfarne * Amphisbaena – Wikipedia * The Book of Kells – Digital Edition* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Email us feedback or comments to sacredart@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 16m
10/21/2024

Miracle of the North: Lindisfarne Gospels

SSA025: The Lindisfarne Gospels are a masterpiece of Celtic sacred art. Alix Murray and Kathryn Laffrey discuss the origins of the illustrated gospels; the connections between the monks of northern England and the broader Catholic world; and the many influences, from Saxon metalwork to Roman gestures, on the artwork.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Watch this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer The Secrets of Sacred Art. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode:* The Lindisfarne Gospels – Smarthistory * The Lindisfarne Gospels – Visit Lindisfarne * The British Library – Patricia Lovett * Ebbo Gospels – Wikipedia * Coronation Gospels – Smarthistory * Jerome’s Preface to the Gospels – Tertullian * Secrets of the Staffordshire Hoard – The Past * Writing in Early Medieval England – The Past * Domiciling Evangelists in Anglo-Saxon England – Medievalists.net * Codex Amiatinus – Wikipedia * The Lindisfarne Gospels: Art, History & Inspiration (British Library Guide)* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Email us feedback or comments to sacredart@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 10m
10/07/2024

Featured Artist: Daniel Mitsui

SSA024: Meet Daniel Mitsui, a popular Catholic fine artist, as Alix Murray and Kathryn Laffrey interview him about integration of Celtic and other styles into his religious art and ask him about his journey as an artist; his unique styles and influences, and the importance of beauty.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Watch this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer The Secrets of Sacred Art. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today? Links for this episode:* Daniel Mitsui | Fr. Z’s Blog (wdtprs.com) * DANIEL MITSUI ~ ARTIST* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! * Email us feedback or comments to sacredart@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 8m

See All (33)

4.6

out of 5

9 Ratings

Detailed Discussion Naking Art Accessible

10/25/2024

Anwi G.

Enlightening discussion that can cater to both an expert and an amateur.
Disappointing

12/01/2023

andhiggins

The premise of this show and its crossovers are all very intriguing—but the hosts and their guests are all terrifically dull.

Two sacred artists take listeners on a journey through sacred art to explore what makes some art sacred and how art opens a window into what is good and true and beautiful.