Angels Guarding the Sacrament
Beauty: Visible art shows the beauty of the hidden helpers
A few months ago, someone posted on Facebook this fantastic view of a set of angels standing atop the sanctuary lamp over the tabernacle at St. Patrick’s Basilica in Montreal. One look at it gives the viewer a mini course in the theology of angels.
They bear shields with the symbols of Christ – a shield is a protective covering in warfare, and they guard their Lord with eternal vigilance
They are winged – which means they are swift in obedience to God’s will
Their faces are both fierce and innocent at the same time – symbolic of their nature (pure spirits) and their function (here, it is guarding)
You have to look up to see them on top of the sanctuary lamp, and that’s the point of angels: they always raise our eyes to the Source of all grace.
I don’t know of any artists sculpting angels like this today, but the art is truly inspiring and raises our hearts to heaven. I love the added effect of lights behind the shields shining on the angelic faces.
St. Patrick’s Basilica (Montreal) is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, and I’m sure the angels will help them give due glory to God.