In the year 726, the Roman Emperor Leo III decided that all sacred artwork of Jesus, Mary, and the saints were forms of idolatry and were to be destroyed. His decree was issued on his own authority and by his own understanding of scripture, not something that was taught by the Church. St. Pope Gregory II called for the protection of sacred art, and in 730 a group of ten Catholic Christians who tried to defend an image of Jesus in the city of Constantinople were arrested by the emperor’s soldiers and put to death. They are known as the Martyrs of Constantinople.
CHALLENGE
St. Pope John Paul II said, “In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art.” Your challenge is to obtain and prominently and publicly display a piece of Catholic artwork in your office or outside your home. Or, if you’d rather, contact your pastor and ask what kind of art you can buy for the parish.
A print copy of The Saint Challenge is a great companion for a year of challenges and a lifetime of living the faith. Buy your copy today then challenge a friend to join you!
