Another Hildegard dear to my heart for the work she is doing to promote quality art into our Catholic churches and homes, is HILDEGARD LETBETTER.
In a recent talk to patrons of the arts the Holy Father said: Throughout history, art has been second only to life in bearing witness to the Lord. It was, and remains, a majestic road allowing us more than by words and ideas to approach the faith, because it follows the same path of faith, that of beauty. The beauty of art enriches life and creates communion, because it unites God, man and creation in a single symphony. It connects the past, the present and the future, and it attracts – in the same place and with the same gaze – different and far-off peoples.
Hildegard grew up a child without enough to eat or drink in the aftermath of World War II in Cologne , Germany United States
Her older brothers later studied in the U.S. Indiana visited the Letbetters and offered to bring Hildegard to the USA DePauw University in Indiana University of Texas
In 1970-71, there was an economic downturn so she and her husband went to Denver Main Street Littleton
From the beginning Hildegard wanted to start something special. “I went around, and I only saw items that didn't make you feel good about your faith, or were kitschy, as we say in Hildegard says she is not an artist herself but has “an eye” for it. She studied theology in Germany
Through the years, she's seen change in how people interpret both religion and the art that comes from it. “Today, it's not about the theology, but how people live together and how you fashion your life in the spirit of Jesus.”
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| Driftwood Madonna from Italy |
While holding dearly to our Catholic heritage, roots and traditions, Hildegard sees her missions as reaching out ecumenically.
“My hope and prayer for you is that you find your own treasure among our ever-growing and changing collection of distinctive, religious sacred art and gifts. Distinctive sacred art that is artistically beautiful, culturally authentic and biblically based, creating lasting heirlooms for your family. May our pieces stir and awaken your mind and your soul.Hildegard visited us soon after we built our new chapel 21 years ago and was so impressed by the simplicity and beauty that she made it possible for us to obtain our stations of the cross from Maria Laach Abbey. She herself donated the 15th station (The Resurrection), which hangs next to the Tabernacle.
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| Egino Weinert |
Over the years I have done a Blog and used the art of Egino Weinert to illustrate other Blogs. He is one of Hildegard’s favorite artists.
"In today’s troubled world, unfortunately so often torn and damaged by selfishness and the thirst for power, art represents, perhaps even more than in the past, a universal need because it is a source of harmony and peace, and it expresses the dimension of generosity." (Pope Francis)