Imago divina (Latin for “divine image”) is an extension of the ancient practice of lectio divina (“divine reading”). Imago divina is, in a sense, praying with one’s eyes, or using the medium of artwork to assist in lifting the mind to God.

Believers have always connected with the divine through visual representations of faith. This can be seen in the frescoes that adorn the walls of the catacombs, in the glory of Rococo architecture, and in the stained glass windows of a simple country church. “Art is capable of making visible our need to go beyond what we see and it reveals our thirst for infinite beauty, for God,” said Pope Benedict in 2011.

In practicing imago divina, just like with lectio divina, the faithful “read” (or view), reflect, respond and rest with the image, inviting the Holy Spirit to move them accordingly.

©LPi