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Other than a place to get your hair done, what is a “salon”???
Salon (noun): a gracious, social gathering at a home in which the host has often invited thinkers/writers/artists/musicians to help stimulate conversation among the invitees
The French word “salon” originally just meant a large room, the English equivalent being “drawing room.” The notion of a cultural or intellectual exchange within a small, intimate setting developed in France in the 17th century. Cultural salons were occasions when people gathered to discuss literature, poetry, philosophy, theology, and other ideas in a convivial and stimulating atmosphere, usually with food and drink. Music was often performed and enjoyed in this setting.
So, what does this have to do with us? Archbishop Hebda is encouraging small groups to get organized in parishes. These groups are envisioned to meet weekly or monthly.
But what about people who are reluctant to make an ongoing commitment or are shy about meeting new people?
“Saintly Salons” will be a set of independent, small gatherings during Lent. They will address various topics of spiritual or cultural interest—some serious and some not so serious. An example would be “Memories from Rome of Pope Saint John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI” (Fr. Joseph Johnson). Other potential talks could be: “What makes Gregorian chant so special?” (our music director Jacob Flaherty), or “Fra Angelico and the tradition of sacred art” or “Why is Saint Thomas Aquinas the best theologian?” or “How Dante can help you grow spiritually” etc. Topics could also include weightier subjects such as the Church’s teaching on sexuality or immigration.
In a smaller setting, you have the chance to ask questions and engage in discussion. These salons are also an opportunity to get to know fellow parishioners in an informal setting. You aren’t committing to multiple events or belonging to a group. You might just have a fun evening, make new friends from church, or learn about a new topic. Hopefully, through attendance at one or more salons you will see the value of such gatherings and pray about joining a small group later in the year. It should be worthwhile either way!
What needs to happen right now?- We are identifying Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings or evenings, and Sunday afternoons during Lent when these salons will be offered.
- Staff members are currently brainstorming topics and deciding who will speak—feel free to suggest topics and/or speakers!
- We are looking for hosts whose homes can accommodate from 12 to 25 people for a salon. The host (or a friendly-co-host) would provide some light refreshments for the event. Pray to see if this is something that you might be able to do. Staff will create an online “first come—first serve” sign-up for every salon to manage the proper attendance level at each gathering.
Photo above: "Chopin concert" by Henryk Siemiradzki, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
