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Novena to the Sacred Heart
Day Three: Two Drinking Deer
Use the audio player in the menu below (bottom of the screen, near the center) to listen to today's reflection. If you prefer, you can find a text version of the reflection and prayer at this link.
When you're ready, scroll down or use the down arrow on your keyboard to learn more about today's featured mosaic.
If we depart the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and turn toward the apse, our eyes fall on a mosaic of two drinking deer.
In the Christian artistic tradition, blue backgrounds like this are often symbolic of the heavens—they stand apart from the “green” colors associated with earth. Like these deer, we must “yearn” for greater things, so that we can join the Apostles (who stand against a blue background of their own in the adjacent dome).
The meandering vine sharpens the symbolism even further:
This eternal life for which we long is found in Christ.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
The symbolism of this vine takes on added significance in Cathedrals like this one.
As the mother church of the Archdiocese, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis serves as a source of grace for all the churches that are in her care, and to all the faithful who call the Archdiocese home.
As the mother church of the Archdiocese, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis serves as a source of grace for all the churches that are in her care, and to all the faithful who call the Archdiocese home.
Did You Know?
Some of the most captivating mosaics in the Cathedral Basilica are the handiwork of Hildreth Meière, one of the most influential mosaicists in the history of American art. During her storied career of 40 years, she completed over 100 commissions and became the first woman to receive the Fine Arts Medal of the American Institute of Architects.
Hildreth Meière, Self Portrait. National Academy of Design, NY
Though she was adept in many styles, she is perhaps best known for her elegant art deco designs, of which these deer are a terrific example.
CREDITS
Today's guide: Brian Abel Ragen is a literary and liturgical scholar, an essayist, and an accomplished heraldic designer. He has evident love for all things good, true, and beautiful—including the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, where he is a parishioner!
Wide shot (featured on slide 2) and closeup of deer (left image on slide 4) courtesy of the International Hildreth Meiere Association.
We encourage those interested in art and history to explore some of the additional resources on the IHMA's website!
Self portrait of Hildreth Meière (slide 8) from the National Academy of Design, New York, NY.
Details of mosaic by Cori Nations Photography.
Today's guide: Brian Abel Ragen is a literary and liturgical scholar, an essayist, and an accomplished heraldic designer. He has evident love for all things good, true, and beautiful—including the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, where he is a parishioner!
Wide shot (featured on slide 2) and closeup of deer (left image on slide 4) courtesy of the International Hildreth Meiere Association.
We encourage those interested in art and history to explore some of the additional resources on the IHMA's website!
Self portrait of Hildreth Meière (slide 8) from the National Academy of Design, New York, NY.
Details of mosaic by Cori Nations Photography.
