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Document Details :

Title: The Iconography of Modern Saints
Subtitle: In Search of a New Typology
Author(s): VAN TONGEREN, Louis
Journal: Questions Liturgiques/Studies in Liturgy
Volume: 84    Issue: 3   Date: 2003   
Pages: 163-181
DOI: 10.2143/QL.84.3.565672

Abstract :
Saints are part of all cultures and of all ages. Phenomenological studies and historical overviews are sufficient and adequate evidence of this. However, the dominance of their presence can vary and fluctuate, as can be seen in the development of the cult of saints within Christianity during the past half-century, insofar as the western world is concerned at least. This development shows contradictory or paradoxical traits. In the context of secularisation and the diminishing popular church, the saint has retreated behind the scenes of the church and the role that the saints play in the life of the faithful has decreased. At the same time, however, there is also a revival taking place; there is in a way a renewed interest in saints.

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