For more information, call the Haehn Museum at 320-363-7098. Enjoy the virtual tour!
INSIGHT AND ACCESS INTO THE DIVINE: Experiencing the Holy through the Visual
“As bearers of a great liturgical tradition, communities of Benedictine women assume their places as liturgical centers … ” This exhibit portrays the evolution of art forms expressing the spiritual and the sacred through vesture and practices related to prayer and liturgy, ritual and community. These art forms grew out of the deep beliefs and the rich prayer life of the Sisters at Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, Minn.
The exquisite needlework created by the Sisters during the first half of the 20th century truly reflects a culture in which thimble and thread give insight and access to the divine. You will see the beauty of the designs, the utilization of the finest silk and gold threads available and the superb technical expertise in the creation of liturgical vesture with images which move the heart and mind inward and inspire faith and hope. One might even say “The art itself worships and invites the viewer to join in the worship of God.”
Several early vestments with elaborate detail and symbolism are displayed. “The visual arts address the mysteries of life by using the language of symbol. Symbols help us make real that which exists but is absent.” Throughout Jewish and Christian history symbolism has been a major artistic technique for interpreting religion. The Church’s rich mystical tradition and its spiritual images are grace-filled opportunities for letting God speak to us.
This exhibit includes vesture today which is in somewhat stark contrast to that of earlier years. A sense of the sacred is communicated and expressed more simply now, through the use of color, line and movement. Contemporary woven vesture made of the same silk threads has replaced the earlier hand-embroidered vesture. Together with musical texts that engage the gathered community, these simpler expressions of art forms call forth a deep, personal relationship with the God we worship and praise.
1930
CHASUBLE
Silk satin a gift from first native Chinese College student Numinous Virgin figure and stylized lilies show transition from naturalistic art to Beuronese influence. Hand-embroidered by Flavia Langer, OSB (1894-1972). Made in Art Needlework Department. Haehn Museum, Saint Benedict’s Monastery 84.7.28 (a).
SYMBOLISM OF BULB ON WHITE VESTMENT
Trace the lily bulb symbolizing the root of Jesse, branch of David from which Jesus came.
Through Mary, the Holy One embraces our humanity while at the same time remaining the Son of God.
O Root of Jesse, you stand as a sign for the peoples; before you kings shall keep silence and to you all nations shall have recourse. Come, save us, and do not delay. Is. 52-53
1930s ALB
Fine linen with Italian drawnwork (separate text board explains symbols and drawnwork process)
Designed by Justina Knapp, OSB (1893-1954)
Drawnwork by Luella Gillen, OSB (1898-1990)
Agnesia Wagner, OSB (1906-1993)
Made in Art Needlework Department
Haehn Museum, Saint Benedict’s Monastery 84.7.45
Environment and Art in Catholic Worship, #4
“Processions ritualize what human life on earth is – a sojourn, a pilgrimage.”
Philippart (ed.), Saving Signs, Wondrous Words, p. 61
All ye holy purples, reds, and golds – praise the Lord! Bauer, OSB, St. Cloud Visitor
1924
HUMERAL VEIL
Brocade of silk and gold threads. Hand-woven in Switzerland. Placed around shoulders when presider holds monstrance with Blessed Sacrament. Made in Art Needlework Department. Haehn Museum, Saint Benedict’s Monastery 84.7.26 (e)
1960
PLATES WITH CRUETS AND PITCHER
Hammered silver. Cruets hold water and wine for Eucharist. Note Benedictine cross, the A for ‘aqua’ and V for ‘vino’ on handle. Pitcher used for presider to wash hands. Haehn Museum, Saint Benedict’s Monastery Unaccessioned
2007
PLATE, CHALICE, CRUET
Ceramic. Made by Dennis Frandrup, OSB. Haehn Museum, Saint Benedict’s Monastery Unaccessioned
Seasoltz, A Sense of the Sacred, p.343
1985
PENTECOST VESTMENT WEAVING PATTERN
On loan from Margaret Van Kempen, OSB
1983
ALTAR CLOTH AND LECTIONARY COVER
Earliest pieces working with silk and gold threads. Made by Margaret Van Kempen, OSB. Photo by Ruth Nierengarten, OSB
“In addition to intelligent words and familiar melodies, we need beauty in both words and music. … A well-written song text can bring people closer to God through their experience of beauty—beauty in the meaning of the words and beauty in the character of the words themselves.”
Dufner, OSB, Pastoral Music, p.21