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To: D-fendr

What is being depicted in this fresco?


885 posted on 11/28/2011 2:37:12 PM PST by count-your-change (You don't have to be brilliant, not being stupid is enough.)
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To: count-your-change
Thanks for your post:

What is being depicted in this fresco?

" We have a good example of the painting of the Eucharist, the fractio panis, in the catacombs of Priscilla which duly reminds us of the important rite celebrated in all the tituli, in the various domus ecclesiae, such as those which existed here in Trastevere (tituli of Cecilia, Chrysogonus and Callixtus). The Breaking of Bread was not just the opening gesture of the agape as such, but was surrounded by a complex liturgy: there were psalms, readings from the prophets, homily of the celebrant, etc."
--THE "BREAKING OF BREAD" (FRACTIO PANIS)

The following from THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE CATACOMBS also helps explain the art:

The Eucharistic triptych is the very jewel of these family tombs. In the central painting are represented seven persons sitting round a table. Their number reminds us of the disciples who gathered round Jesus on the shores of the lake. On the dishes in front of them is placed the fish: Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.

Close by, on the left, a priest places his hands on a small table with a loaf and a fish on it, a clear symbol of the consecration which is reserved to the ministers. Standing on the other side, an orante with open arms, reminds us that to reach heaven we must feed on that consecrated bread (the Eucharist).

In the space next to this last picture is a painting of the sacrifice of Abraham and Isaac, a symbol of the sacrifice of the cross in relation to the Eucharist. "

From the same source: "The spirituality of the catacombs is the same as that of the primitive Church." The liturgy we have today goes back to and is continuous with that of the catacombs.

I think everyone who is interested in the early Church would find the study of the catacombs of Rome quite interesting and informative.

thanks again...

892 posted on 11/28/2011 3:05:18 PM PST by D-fendr (Deus non alligatur sacramentis sed nos alligamur.)
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