The Thomistic Institute
Aquinas the Wordsmith: The Hymns and Sequence of Corpus Christi | Prof. Patrick Callahan
May 2, 2025
In this discussion, Patrick Callahan, Director of the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture, explores the poetic brilliance of Saint Thomas Aquinas. He examines Aquinas' views on beauty, emphasizing the importance of proportion and clarity in art and spirituality. Callahan dives into the intersection of art, language, and theology in Aquinas' hymns, revealing the richness of poetic devices and their deep theological meanings. The conversation uncovers how these elements enhance one's understanding of faith and devotion.
42:40
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Quick takeaways
- Aquinas connects beauty and goodness, asserting their identity while highlighting beauty's role in sensory perception and artistic appreciation.
- The podcast emphasizes the need for active engagement in art to foster genuine contemplation, contrasting it with modern passive consumption.
Deep dives
The Miracle of Bolsena
The Miracle of Bolsena serves as an important historical event that is intricately linked to the understanding of the Eucharist within the Catholic tradition. It recounts how a Polish priest, while in the Holy Land, experienced a miraculous occurrence where the consecrated host began to bleed during Mass. This incident led to significant investigations that would ultimately contribute to the establishment of the Feast of Corpus Christi. It highlights the profound impact of visual and miraculous manifestations in reinforcing faith and belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
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