Via Sacra

The Church of the Transfiguration

Villa Via Sacra, 12 Via delle Mura, Barga, LU

Church of the Transfiguration Exhibition of Sacred Art

This permanent exhibition from the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, Massachusetts, reflects the biblical principle that earthly materials can be transformed to communicate heavenly realities. As St. Benedict has said, “et in omnes glorificator Deus” (in everything God may be glorified). As a church of a monastic community in the Benedictine tradition, the Church of the Transfiguration is dedicated to our Savior, as revealed in the glorious light of his Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, where heaven and earth met, and Christ’s divinity was revealed to humankind. Members of the Community of Jesus, together with artists from Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, and the United States translates the story of salvation through carved wood and stone, mosaic and fresco images, and bronze and glass sculpture, recounting stories from the life of Christ, and the actions of those who came before and prepared the way. Standing as a permanent testimony to the love and faithfulness of God, the church also reflects an essential part of the gospel message, that in Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is possible for our lives to be transformed more and more into the likeness of Christ.

The Church of the Transfiguration

The Church of the Transfiguration stands at the spiritual center of this monastic community, serving both as its principal place of worship and as a visible sign of God’s presence in the midst of a living fellowship. Built from 1997-2010 as a contemporary expression of the architectural style of 4th-century Christian basilicas, featuring a long rectangular nave, a rounded apse at the east end, narrow side aisles, a peaked timber roof, interior columns and arches along the side aisles. The church, enriched with hand-crafted mosaic and fresco images, bronze, glass, and stone sculpture, hosts daily community worship services include Holy Eucharist, Choral Evensong, and Liturgy of the Hours sung in Gregorian chant. The organ is a restoration and expansion of pipework from twelve organs built by the E.M. Skinner Organ Company in the early 20th century.

Community of Jesus

The Community of Jesus located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, is an ecumenical community in the Benedictine tradition. Members of the Community of Jesus make professions of commitment according to their Rule of Life, including vows of obedience, stability, and conversion of life, living their monastic vocation under the direction of a Superior, and gathering each day for worship. At the heart of the Community’s ministry is the witness of its common life, the worship of God, and the work of creativity expressed through the arts, in the publishing of books and music, and the visual and performing arts.

Members of the Community come from many walks of life and various church backgrounds, mostly Protestant and some Roman Catholic. The Community is comprised of families with children who live in homes that surround the church, as well as 25 celibate Brothers, and 60 celibate Sisters. Altogether about 270 people. While such diversity presents its challenges, it also brings enrichment and depth to living and praying together. What is commonly treasured by all becomes the foundation for building genuine communion and ministry.