Throughout this blog, an examination of two art objects found in the Umbrian town of Assisi as well as depicting St. Francis of Assisi will look at the messages about the Catholic church that these objects are trying to communicate. After the investigation of these two objects attached below, a message of endorsement of drinking alcohol can easily be observed; thus, refuting one of the seven Catholic social teachings of Life and Dignity of the Human Person.
The purpose of these popular objects throughout Assisi seems to generate humor in the religious setting as well as create a way to reflect on significant Catholic representatives, like St. Francis, in a more casual setting. Additionally, the objects combine the action of drinking alcohol and practicing Catholicism, which is rarely found in positive collaboration.
These two objects specifically seem to communicate an acceptance of drinking that is allegedly endorsed by St. Francis and the Catholic faith. The figurine’s depiction of St. Francis actively consuming two mugs of beer unsubtly encourages the action of drinking alcohol. This object communicates to the viewer or consumer that it is acceptable to consume beer, specifically multiple, because St. Francis did so too.
Finally, in reference to the seven Catholic social teachings, the act of consuming alcohol, especially in overindulgence, disputes the teaching of Life and Dignity of the Human Person. This specific Catholic teaching describes the sacredness and respect for human life and that dignity is a foundation for a moral society. Therefore, when St. Francis of Assisi is illustrated on the shot glass, the object portrays an attitude of support for drinking alcohol from St. Francis and the Catholic church to the consumer. Furthermore, the shot glass reduces the idea of caring for people or society. The figurine depicting St. Francis drinking two mugs of beer additionally challenges the Catholic teaching mentioned by undermining St. Francis as well as all of humanity’s dignity. Both of these objects contradict the Catholic church’s idea that each life is a precious gift from God.
In conclusion, these two objects found around the town of Assisi both prove themselves to provide conflicting messages that claim they are of Catholic endorsement. However, in fact, neither object portrays a message approved by the Catholic church nor supported by the beliefs of St. Francis of Assisi.
