The following press release comes to us from Pontifex University, and is reproduced from their website.
Pontifex University offers a unique approach to higher Catholic education by forming students in the way of beauty so they might renew traditional Catholic culture. Expert faculty including highly respected Catholic artists teach courses online. Regional workshops are planned around the US, Italy and the Holy Land, which include special access to the Vatican Museums and restoration workshops, as well as an optional graduation Mass in the Vatican.
The Masters of Sacred Arts (MSA) degree is a groundbreaking combination of theory and practice. In addition to the study of theology, philosophy, architecture, film, music and art, students have mentored hands-on studio work in drawing, iconography, painting and sculpture. This two-year program is perfect for artists, architects, priests, seminarians, religious, educators, laity, patrons of the arts and anyone looking to create beauty as a sign of hope in today’s world.
Pontifex programs are established on the premise that in all genuine Catholic education, the ultimate Educator is God Himself. As Pius XI stated, the aim of a Christian education is “to form the supernatural man who thinks, judges and acts constantly and consistently in accordance with right reason illumined by the supernatural light.” The goal of Pontifex is to guide students along the path, the Way of Beauty, which leads to the supernatural transformation in Christ, so equipping one to serve Him.
The MSA program was designed by Provost David Clayton, previously Artist-in-Residence at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, whose book The Way of Beauty, published by Angelico Press in 2015, contains the principles utilized by Pontifex University. “The launching of the MSA program at Pontifex is the culmination of 20 years’ research,” Clayton said. “It all began when, as a recent convert, I decided to become an artist and couldn’t find anywhere to give me the training I wanted. I had to work it all out for myself. I am thrilled now to see this being offered to the next generation which, who knows, might contain a latter day Van Eyck or Velaquez!”
The MSA offers the same formation that enabled the great Catholic artists of the past to create works of radiant beauty that are at once noble, elevating and accessible to the many, drawing all to God. Pontifex prepares students to pass the test laid down for artists by Pope Benedict XVI: “It is precisely the test of true creativity that the artist steps out of the esoteric circle and knows how to form his or her intuition in such a way that the others—the many—may perceive what the artist has perceived.”
Pontifex University’s MSA is the new catalyst that shows how to bring these elements together in harmony with one’s personal vocation, whatever it may be, for the glory of God and joy of mankind.
Pontifex programs are established on the premise that in all genuine Catholic education, the ultimate Educator is God Himself. As Pius XI stated, the aim of a Christian education is “to form the supernatural man who thinks, judges and acts constantly and consistently in accordance with right reason illumined by the supernatural light.” The goal of Pontifex is to guide students along the path, the Way of Beauty, which leads to the supernatural transformation in Christ, so equipping one to serve Him.
The MSA program was designed by Provost David Clayton, previously Artist-in-Residence at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, whose book The Way of Beauty, published by Angelico Press in 2015, contains the principles utilized by Pontifex University. “The launching of the MSA program at Pontifex is the culmination of 20 years’ research,” Clayton said. “It all began when, as a recent convert, I decided to become an artist and couldn’t find anywhere to give me the training I wanted. I had to work it all out for myself. I am thrilled now to see this being offered to the next generation which, who knows, might contain a latter day Van Eyck or Velaquez!”
The MSA offers the same formation that enabled the great Catholic artists of the past to create works of radiant beauty that are at once noble, elevating and accessible to the many, drawing all to God. Pontifex prepares students to pass the test laid down for artists by Pope Benedict XVI: “It is precisely the test of true creativity that the artist steps out of the esoteric circle and knows how to form his or her intuition in such a way that the others—the many—may perceive what the artist has perceived.”
Pontifex University’s MSA is the new catalyst that shows how to bring these elements together in harmony with one’s personal vocation, whatever it may be, for the glory of God and joy of mankind.
About Pontifex University
Pontifex University is an authentic Roman Catholic institution formed in 2015 and overseen by a self perpetuating Board of Trustees that governs the Solidarity Association of the Christian Faithful, a public juridical body established by decree.
