Actor David Henrie and EWTN Studios are collaborating on a new docuseries titled 'Seeking Beauty'. The docuseries will explore the concept of beauty, with a focus on Italian culture, architecture, food, art, and music. 'Seeking Beauty' aims to highlight both the physical and spiritual beauty of Italy. The series is scheduled for release in December.
5 months ago
Catholic actor David Henrie, widely recognized for his role as Justin Russo on Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” has partnered with EWTN Studios to launch a new adventure documentary series titled “Seeking Beauty” 1 2. The series is slated for release in December 1 2.
“Seeking Beauty” follows Henrie on a journey through Italy, delving into the country's rich culture, architecture, food, art, and music 1 2. The docuseries aims to showcase not only the physical splendor of Italy but also its profound spiritual richness 1 2. Henrie describes the series as a fresh take on travel shows, where he, as a non-expert, invites the audience to explore and learn alongside him, asking questions that viewers might have 1 2.
A central theme of the docuseries is the concept that beauty, with a "capital B," serves as the language of the divine and a direct reflection of God 1 2. Henrie shared a particularly impactful experience during filming: observing the restoration of an old Caravaggio painting 1 2. This experience humanized the great artist for him, revealing imperfections and struggles that made the artist relatable 1 2.
The series is a collaboration involving Henrie’s production company, Novo Inspire Studios, which focuses on creating entertaining, timeless, and meaningful content suitable for families 1 2. Novo Inspire Studios recently received a nomination from the Television Critics Association Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Family Programming 1 2. EWTN Studios, the co-producer, was recently established as part of EWTN's organizational restructuring, aiming to continue its legacy of impactful Catholic media content through evolving technologies 1 2.
How does beauty reflect God?
Beauty reflects God in several profound ways, serving as a pathway to understanding and encountering the Divine. The Catholic Church teaches that God reveals Himself through the universal language of creation, the beauty of the arts, and the supreme beauty of Christ and Christian holiness , .
The natural world, with its order and harmony, is a primary reflection of God's beauty and wisdom . Scripture emphasizes that by observing the grandeur and beauty of created things, one can come to a corresponding perception of their Creator , . As the Book of Wisdom states, "from the good things that are seen, have not been able to discover Him-who-is, or, by studying the works, have failed to recognise the Artificer" . This contemplation of nature's beauty leads to an "ascendant dialogue," moving from the visible forms of natural things to their invisible Author, God, the "Completely Other" .
The contemplation of creation's beauty evokes sentiments of peace, harmony, and a desire for a beautiful life . For the religious person, this astonishment and admiration transform into adoration, praise, and thanksgiving to the Author of these beauties . Saint Augustine eloquently captures this, inviting us to "Question the beauty of the earth, question the beauty of the sea... They all answer you, 'Here we are, look; we're beautiful!' Their beauty is their confession. Who made these beautiful changeable things, if not one who is beautiful and unchangeable?" . The Franciscan tradition, particularly with St. Bonaventure, views creation as having a sacramental dimension, bearing traces of its origins and serving as an allegory and symbol of its Author .
Artistic creation also possesses a unique capacity to evoke the ineffable aspects of God's mystery . Christian beauty carries a truth that surpasses human language and points to the essential good . Works of art, such as Michelangelo's Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel, or the splendor of cathedrals and churches during liturgy, can deeply stir emotions and open hearts to God . The beauty found in Christian artwork is inherently symbolic, referring beyond itself to reveal the meaning, origin, and end of our earthly journey . It moves the observer from an interior focus "for self" to a "more than self," a passage realized in Jesus Christ, who is "the way, the truth and the life" . Pope John Paul II emphasized the reciprocal needs of the Church and art, highlighting their millennial alliance that has led to the "birth of beauty" .
The ultimate reflection of God's beauty is found in Christ, who is the model and prototype of Christian holiness , . The beauty of God is uniquely revealed in the singular beauty of His Son . For the baptized, the beauty of witness given by a life transformed in Grace, and for the Church, the beauty of the liturgy, allow for an experience of God alive among His people . This beauty is also manifested in acts of charity, preferential choices for the poor, and engagement in promoting justice and peace, which announce a hope that never fails . The Church, as a witness to the final meaning of life, appears as the "people of the beauty that saves," anticipating the beauty promised by God who will bring all things to completion .
In essence, beauty, whether in creation, art, or the lives of saints, serves as a "privileged pathway" (via pulchritudinis) for evangelization and dialogue, leading humanity towards the Truth and the Good , . It responds to the intimate desire for happiness within every person, prompting them to transcend the ephemeral and seek the Transcendent and Mystery, ultimately leading to God Himself, the original beauty and creator of all created beauty .