Special to The Message
The annual Dolle Lecture on Church Art and Architecture is 7 p.m. CDT Sept. 19 in St. Bede Theater at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Indiana. Benedictine Father Harry Hagan, a monk of St. Meinrad Archabbey, will speak on “The Art and Architecture of the Councils of Trent and Vatican II.”
The lecture will explore the ways these two councils have provided the basis for the development of art and architecture. The Council of Trent gave birth to the Counter-Reformation with its great artists Caravaggio and Bernini, among others. Vatican II brought a change to church buildings and a challenge to find new ways to express the enduring belief of the Church.
Father Harry, of Bardstown, Kentucky, professed his vows at St. Meinrad Aug. 24, 1972, and he was ordained a priest Sept. 20, 1986. He has a bachelor’s degree in English from St. Meinrad College, a Master of Divinity from St. Meinrad School of Theology, a Master of Arts in religious studies from Indiana University, and a doctorate in sacred Scripture from Pontifical Biblical Institute.
Father Harry joined the faculty of St. Meinrad School of Theology in 1979, where he’s served as associate dean of students, dean of students and provost-vice rector. He was a member of the Renovation Committee of the Archabbey Church (1993-1997) and maintains an interest in church architecture. He also served as novice and junior master in the monastery. Father Harry is currently an associate professor of Scripture in the Seminary and School of Theology and a spiritual director.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Parking is available behind St. Bede Hall and in Guest House and student parking lots. For more information, contact Krista Hall during business hours at 812-357-6501.
The Peter and Viola Dolle Lecture on Church Art and Architecture was established by St. Meinrad alumnus Adam Dolle to commemorate the lives of his parents. They spent 48 years together until Peter’s death in 1982. Peter was a master builder, while Viola embodied a spontaneous spirit that is the life of art.