Encounter Caravaggio in the midst of the Counter Reformation…

The Sacred Art Gallery is pleased to host a special evening art history class, “An Evening with Caravaggio: The Sacred Art of the Past,” on Thursday, December 11th from 6:30–8:00 p.m. This one-and-a-half hour talk/Q&A invites art lovers, students of history, and the faithful alike to discover the world of one of art’s most controversial and compelling figures—Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.

Caravaggio was a master painter whose work electrified Rome at the turn of the 17th century. Known for his intense realism, dramatic lighting, and bold depictions of sacred subjects, his paintings marked a decisive break from the polished idealism of the High Renaissance. Instead, he embraced the raw, gritty humanity of saints, martyrs, and biblical figures—bringing the Gospel to life in ways that startled, inspired, and sometimes scandalized his contemporaries.

During a time when the Catholic Church was responding to the challenges of the Protestant Reformation, Caravaggio’s art became a powerful tool for evangelization. His canvases spoke not only to the educated elite but also to the ordinary faithful, drawing them into a vivid encounter with Christ and the saints. This lecture will explore how Caravaggio’s style embodied the spirit of the Counter Reformation and why his works continue to captivate viewers centuries later.

Your Guide for the Evening

Leading this class will be Enrique Diaz, a longtime parishioner of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Mesa and a passionate advocate for the arts. Enrique graduated from Yale University with a B.A. in History and has dedicated more than two decades to education. For 16 years, he served the Diocese of Phoenix as both teacher and administrator at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Elementary School. He has also taught Catholic Church History for adults and continues to share his love of faith and culture through lectures and community programs.

In addition to his academic background, Enrique is himself an artist. He paints in acrylics and has even participated in our gallery’s Art Walk, offering firsthand insight into the creative process. His ability to weave together history, theology, and visual analysis makes him an engaging and memorable speaker.

Evening Details

• Date & Time: 12/11/25, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

• Location: The Sacred Art Gallery,  Mesa

• Tickets: $45 for a single ticket | $35 each for two or more

• Included: Complimentary snacks and bottled water

This evening promises not only to inform but also to inspire. Surrounded by sacred art in the gallery setting, participants will have the chance to reflect on Caravaggio’s genius and consider how beauty serves the Church’s mission across the ages.

Whether you are an art enthusiast, a student of Church history, or simply seeking a meaningful night out, we invite you to join us for this immersive evening. Come see how the brush of Caravaggio continues to shed divine light in a world still in need of truth and beauty.

Space is limited. Reserve your seat today and encounter the sacred through the eyes of Caravaggio.