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Oct 18, 2023Liked by Roseanne T. Sullivan

Religious and art-loving people of all faiths can find inspiration in this interview. The journalist’s questions and the responses given are are clear and heart felt. This dialog puts into words many feelings and ideas regarding poetry and art that I have felt for several years but have been unable to articulate. Bravo!

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Oct 26, 2023Liked by Roseanne T. Sullivan

The importance of poetry and the Latin Mass--two biggies in one article. Thanks, Roseanne.

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Oct 24, 2023·edited Nov 4, 2023Liked by Roseanne T. Sullivan

Ah, we're on the same wave length, Roseanne ... So glad you found me. Will restack a quote to Notes for you. ~Mary

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Comment from Facebook, from a reader who pasted the title of this post as a question for Artificial Intelligence to answer.

Michael P. Murphy

Here's Open AI's view on the prompt: "Poetry is a form of artistic expression that uses language to evoke emotions, create imagery, and convey ideas in a structured and aesthetically pleasing manner. It employs various literary devices such as rhyme, rhythm, metaphor, simile, and symbolism to engage the reader or listener on multiple levels. Poetry can be found in many cultures and serves a variety of purposes, from storytelling and entertainment to social commentary and spiritual reflection.

In terms of why poetry does what it does, here are some key aspects:

Emotional Expression: Poetry provides a unique avenue for expressing and evoking emotions. Through carefully chosen words, poets can capture the complexity of human feelings and experiences, allowing readers to connect with the work on a deep emotional level.

Imagery and Symbolism: Poetry often uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey abstract ideas and concepts. This can make the poem more engaging and relatable by providing concrete, sensory-rich descriptions.

Rhythm and Sound: The rhythmic and melodic aspects of poetry, including meter, rhyme, and alliteration, create an auditory experience that can enhance the impact of the poem. These elements can make the poem more memorable and enjoyable to read or hear.

Conciseness: Poetry often distills complex ideas and narratives into a concise form. This brevity encourages both the poet and the reader to carefully choose and consider each word, making it a powerful medium for concentrated expression.

As for why poetry is important to Catholics, it holds a special place in the Catholic tradition for several reasons:

Spiritual Reflection: Poetry has been used as a means of exploring and expressing faith, spirituality, and religious experiences. Many Catholic poets have used their works to delve into matters of theology, morality, and the human relationship with God.

Liturgical Use: Poetry is an integral part of Catholic liturgy and worship. The Psalms, for example, are a collection of religious poems that are central to both Jewish and Christian worship. These poems serve as expressions of praise, lament, and supplication.

Historical Significance: Throughout the history of the Catholic Church, poetry has played a significant role in conveying religious teachings, particularly in times when many people were illiterate. Poems, hymns, and prayers were used to spread the Gospel and reinforce Catholic doctrine.

Aesthetic and Emotional Connection: Poetry can engage Catholics on an emotional and aesthetic level, fostering a deeper connection with their faith. Well-crafted religious poetry can inspire devotion, contemplation, and a sense of awe.

In summary, poetry is a versatile form of artistic expression that resonates with Catholics and people of various faiths due to its ability to convey deep emotions, explore spirituality, and serve as a means of worship and reflection. Its importance to Catholics lies in its historical, cultural, and spiritual significance within the Catholic tradition."

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