How Lovely is your Dwelling:

The Theology and Spirituality of Rome's Architecture and Art

Program Description
Rome has been a center of Christianity since shortly after Jesus’ resurrection. The monuments and art of the city bear the imprint of two millennia of prayer, meditation, pilgrimage, and service.

Through guided visits and lectures, participants will discover how the arrangement of an ancient Christian basilica serves as a key to the spiritual life, how the gothic church lifts the believer to the heights of the divinity and how the magnificence of baroque churches is meant to be an instrument in the transformation of the worshipper.

The week will focus on how through the centuries art and architecture in Rome have weaved together the theology, history and spirituality of diverse stages of the pilgrimage of the People of God.  Each day of the program will include the celebration of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours.

Daily Schedule
Welcome to the Eternal City. Participants will be welcomed in the afternoon with an introductory presentation and orientation, followed by an opening dinner at the Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas.

The Space of Love: Aesthetics in the Early Church
The day will commence at the Lay Centre with a lecture and discussion on the Christian art of the first centuries. The afternoon will feature guided visits to the Basilica of St. Lawrence and the Basilica of St. Agnes to explore the significance of martyrdom and the Eucharist in early Christian spirituality.

The Cosmic Christ: Christian Architecture in the Medieval Church
The morning will begin with the weekly Papal Audience to hear Pope Benedict XVI and pray with pilgrims from around the world.  If the Holy Father is not in Rome, an alternative program will be offered. After a period of free time for people to have lunch near the Vatican and perhaps do some shopping on the famous Borgo Pio, the afternoon will feature guided visits to some of the places important during the Middle Ages in Rome like Santa Maria sopra Minerva.

Transformation through Grace: Baroque Art and Architecture
After an early morning celebration of the Eucharist at St. Peter’s Basilica and a guided visit to the basilica, the day will feature a guided visit to some of the houses of worship important for understanding the emergence of the baroque style in the modern period: the Church of Saint Ignatius and the Gesù.  An afternoon lecture and discussion on baroque art and architecture will be held at the Lay Centre.

Day of Reflection: Orvieto or Tivoli
This day will afford the group a chance to enjoy a day outside of Rome. An experienced spiritual director will lead the group in guided reflections on the prospects for developing an authentic and vibrant spirituality of art today and there will be opportunities for personal and liturgical prayer.  Lunch is included.

Art and Architecture at the Service of the Communion of the Church
The morning of the last day will be dedicated to a series of presentations by art historians, architects and theologians on contemporary ecclesial art and architecture. The afternoon will feature a guided visit to one of the contemporary worship spaces of Rome.  The week’s program will draw to a fitting close with a dinner at the Lay Centre.

Arrivederci Roma!
Departure from Rome.

Organizing this Program for your Group
To schedule this program for your group or organization you must have a minimum of 15 participants.  Please contact Robert White at info@laycentre.org to help you organize this study program.

The cost of this program is $775.00 per person. The cost includes all lectures, guided site visits, private coach transportation to and from site visits, and three meals during the course of the week.

Airfare to and from Rome, lodging, all other meals and all other expenses are not included. Program participants are responsible for making travel and lodging arrangements.  

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