The Weight of Bodily Presence in Art and Liturgy

This essay addresses the question of virtual church, particularly on whether or not liturgy can be done virtually. We will approach our subject from a somewhat unusual perspective by looking to types aesthetic experiences which we have been doing “virtually” for long time. By exploring how experience art in and physical contexts, gain insight into corresponding liturgical practices. Drawing Mikel Dufrenne, Maurice Merleau-Ponty Gabriel Marcel, I first examine importance body when “presence” environments. Next, consider weight presence practices, both person virtual, guided again Marcel as well Bruce Ellis Benson, Emmanuel Falque, Christina Gschwandtner Éric Palazzo. Through these reflections, argue that what teaches us about significance closeness human applies practice that, while unexpected benefits surface settings, nothing replaces powerful arise is physically present.