Visualizing the Eucharist: Sacred Art in Stained Glass

The Department of Catholic Studies invites you to attend a special lecture by Professor Father Joseph Bertha, Ph.D., titled "Visualizing the Eucharist." The lecture will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 22, in the University Center-Event Room.

Father Joseph Bertha, an art historian and adjunct professor in Catholic Studies Department, will explore how the Eucharist is brought to life visually in the stunning stained-glass windows of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Bayonne, New Jersey. Created by renowned Irish stained-glass artist Harry Clarke (1889-1931), these windows transform the abstract concept of the Eucharist into a tangible spiritual experience, engaging believers on a deeply personal and sensory level. Clarke, who produced over 160 stained-glass windows for religious and commercial commissions throughout Ireland, England and the U.S., including St. Vincent de Paul Church, is known for his remarkable ability to illuminate sacred mysteries through art.

The lecture will examine how Clarke's windows at St. Vincent de Paul Church, including depictions of the nine orders of angels and liturgical scenes prefigured in the Old Testament, help believers connect more intimately with Christ’s sacrifice and presence in the Eucharist. This sacred art enriches the spiritual experience by offering a visual representation of faith, deepening devotion and reinforcing the divine mystery of Christ’s real presence.

Father Bertha, who also serves at Saint John the Baptist Church in Bayonne and Saint Mary’s Church in Jersey City, will provide historical context, with references to figures from the Newark Archdiocese, to enrich the understanding of Clarke’s work in the local Catholic tradition.

About Catholic Studies at Seton Hall University:

The Department of Catholic Studies at Seton Hall University offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that invites students of all backgrounds to explore the rich intellectual tradition and living heritage of Catholicism. Through a blend of history, philosophy, theology, literature, art, sociology and more, the program engages in a meaningful dialogue between the Church and contemporary culture. Students may pursue a major, minor, or certificate, enriching their academic journey with the values and mission of the Catholic tradition. For over 25 years, Catholic Studies has remained true to Seton Hall's Catholic mission.

For more information, please contact Professor Ines Murzaku or Gloria Aroneo.

Categories: Faith and Service