Liturgical Art
In 1982 the pastor of Breen’s church (Roman Catholic) asked Breen if he would design and oversee the renovation of the church. Very little had been done to update the church’s interior to make it consistent with the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council of 1963.
Although he had never been involved with a church project of the scale of this renovation, Breen was knowledgeable of the environmental requirements of Roman Catholic liturgy and the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Also, he had been involved with making and exhibiting contemporary liturgical art, so there was some basis for the pastor’s request. While he worked with the pastor and his assistant pastor, Breen was given carte blanche in matters of design including that of the sanctuary furniture and all the art created for the project.
The finished renovation received very positive reviews. It resulted in Breen being commissioned to do the designs for the renovations of seven more churches, including two cathedrals. Several of the churches contain major examples of Breen’s art.
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THRONE OF WISDOM: OUR LADY OF CHAMPAIGN
1997 Oil on Linen 48" x 96"
Collection: Church of St. Matthew, Champaign, IL -
THRONE OF WISDOM: OUR LADY OF PEORIA
1990 Oil on Linen 18" x 36"
Collection: Bishop's Chapel, Rectory, Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Peoria, IL -
ST. JOSEPH: PROTECTOR OF THE CHURCH
1991 Oil on Linen 24" x 30"
Collection: Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Peoria, IL -
PASCHAL CANDLE STAND
1997 Glazed Stoneware, Lacquered Wood, Walnut, Marble, Brass 43"
Collection: Church of St. Matthew, Champaign, IL -
BRAZIER
1997 Porcelain 8"
Collection: Church of St. Matthew, Champaign, IL -
DAVID, MOSES, ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
1994 Stained Glass Windows 72"
Collection: St. Philomena Church, Monticello, IL -
ARCHANGEL GABRIEL CANDLESTICK
1994 Terra Cotta, Gold Leaf, Brass
Collection: St. Philomena Church, Monticello, IL -
BAPTISTRY MURAL
1995 Oil on Canvas and Ceramic, Bronze, Gold Leaf, Marble 144"
Collection: Co-Catherdral of St. Joseph, St. Joseph, MO -
TABERNACLE
1989 Carrara Marble, Numidian Marble, Bronze 30"
Collection: Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Peoria, IL -
SHRINE OF ST. THOMAS MOORE
2000 Polymer Acrylic on Ceramic, Oil and Gold Leaf on Duraply, Laminate, Wood
Collection: St. Thomas Moore High School, Champaign, IL -
RESURRECTION, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHAPEL
1987 Cast Resin with Walnut Cross
Collection: Sisters of Providence, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN -
SANCTUARY
1994 Interior and Furniture Design
Collection: St. Philomena Church, Monticello, IL -
SANCTUARY
1989 Interior Design and Sanctuary Furniture
Collection: Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Peoria, IL -
BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL
1983 Interior + Furniture Design, Mural: Polymer Acrylic, Oil and Gold Leaf on Ceramic and Wood, Cast Acrylic and Plate-Glass Mirror
Collection: Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Champaign, IL -
BAPTISTRY
1983 Interior + Furniture Design, Mural: Oil on Canvas and Ceramic Relief
Collection: Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Champaign, IL -
SANCTUARY
1983 Interior Design Renovation, Furniture, Design, Mural Art
Collection: Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Champaign, IL
