The Life and Divine Calling of Michelangelo

Presented by Middle School, Grades 5-6

"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark." -- Michelangelo Buonarroti

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, most often known simply as Michelangelo, is one of the most respected and influential artists of the western world. He was born in Florence, Italy, on March 6, 1475. He was a master sculptor, painter, architect, sketch artist, and even poet.

At the age of 14 Michelangelo entered the Humanist Academy where he could study many forms of art with the most famous artists in Europe. When he was 18, he returned home, where the local church allowed him to study the bodies of those that had died in the hospital before their burial. This gave him the knowledge he needed to perfectly depict the human body.

In 1498, when Michelangelo was only 23 years old, he was commissioned to sculpt what was to become one of his most famous works, The Pieta, (Italian for mercy). This beautiful marble sculpture depicting Mary holding the body of the crucified Christ would gain him attention from the highest authorities in the seat of the Catholic Church in Rome.

Only 2 years after the completion of The Pieta, Michelangelo was commissioned to sculpt a statue meant to celebrate the freedom and strength of Florence, to be housed in the Florence Cathedral. Michelangelo would create a larger than life, 14-foot marble sculpture of young David before his battle with Goliath. He is regarded as the model of the perfect man. The David was unveiled on September 8, 1504.

Only 4 years later, Michelangelo would be commissioned to create a great painting. He was more comfortable as a sculptor but took on the massive project of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Over the next 4 years Michelangelo would design and paint the 33 separate Frescos that make up the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. These paintings depict the creation of the world, the ancestors of Christ, prophets and sibyls, and scenes from the Old Testament. Twenty-five years later he would also paint the large The Last Judgement fresco, covering the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel.

In 1546, at the age of 71, Michelangelo was commissioned to begin what would be his last work: the architecture of the new St. Peter’s Basilica. The new St. Peter’s Basilica project had been underway for 50 years under the direction of several different architects, all of whom would die before it could be completed. Michelangelo was given access to all of their plans, which he would alter and adapt to suit his vision. The large dome, which is still the tallest of its kind, was his “most distinct contribution.” Knowing that he may not live to its completion, Michelangelo left detailed sketches of his plans, which were faithfully carried out after his death in 1564, at the age of 88. The dome was finished in 1590. After construction on the rest of the basilica was completed, the building was consecrated in 1626.

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Michelangelo is quoted as saying “Many believe - and I believe - that I have been designated for this work by God. In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for God and I put all my hope in Him.”

Following this historical thought, Grammar School students presented a selection from "Horatius at the Bridge" by Thomas Babington Macauly.

Middle School students also shared the poem "A Time to Talk" by Robert Frost.

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This historical thought was delivered by our Middle School students at devotional on 3/19/2026. Each week one class leads the student body in prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, scripture recitation, a meditation, and an historical thought. Belmont family and friends are welcome, Thursdays 8:30-9:05 am.

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