Entering the Lenten Season with the Artwork of James Tissot

Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST) continues its Lenten daily meditation tradition, beginning Wednesday, February 18. Written by members of the ICSST and Seton Hall communities, the reflections will be shared with subscribers via email and posted on the Seminary’s website from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday. The series is sponsored by ICSST’s Preaching as Hospitality Formation Program. 

Titled “Welcoming and Embracing the Stranger: Lenten Reflections with the Artwork of James Tissot,” each meditation will include the Scripture of the day and a Visio Divina featuring art by French painter James Tissot. From the Transfiguration to the Lord’s Passion, Tissot’s works depicting scenes from the Gospels come to life through stunning detail and unique perspectives. By combining interpretations of Scripture, Tissot’s art and the writer’s personal reflection, each message will be an invitation to prepare ourselves for the joy of the Risen Lord on Easter. 

Readers of past reflections expressed gratitude and appreciation for the meditations’ diverse viewpoints as they grew closer to Christ’s Resurrection. “There are so many blessings hidden beyond what we actually see and hear and I don't want to miss them. Blessings to you and thanks for such excellent writings,” said one reader. 

There will be reflections on the Scriptures, art and more in preparation for the joy of the Easter season. Those who have already subscribed are invited to encourage others to do the same. Sign up here today!

About the Preaching Program

The Preaching as Hospitality Formation program of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology seeks to form seminarians, diaconal students and religious and lay graduate students of theology to be compelling preachers who will offer a hospitality of the heart as they break open the Word of God. The initiatives help to form preachers who will understand and embrace preaching as hospitality—a ministry of inviting, welcoming and offering compassion. The program also focuses on newly ordained priests and deacons and newly appointed pastors (less than five years) who are invited to re-imagine their preaching through the lens of Christian hospitality. Among the many offerings are the Wisdom Figures of Preaching videos (featuring priests and deacons ordained at least 30 years) and various programs open to the public such as the Many Faces of Hospitality Evenings of Recollection and the annual University Parish Mission. The program also offers Advent and Lent daily reflections, graduate courses on Scripture and Hospitality and Pauline Preaching Clinics.

Categories: Faith and Service