Our Lady of Hope by Artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Hope | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Reprinted by permission of the artist.

A new 2015 tribute to the Holy Mother of God, Our Lady of Hope by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley - inspired by the recorded description as witnessed by those who saw her miraculous appearance in the French village of Pontmain in 1871.

She was said to be dressed in a blue dress amassed with golden stars, wearing a black veil and carrying a red cross; her message was " Hope Through Prayer and The Cross".

The artist has a great affection for the USA so was happy to learn that the Oblate Fathers introduced the devotion to the USA in 1952.

Peace blessings of peace, healing, joy - and Hope!

Pastel on Paper, 2015
24 x 17in/59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

For the Novena to Our Lady of Hope:
www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/hope.htm


About the artist Stephen B. Whatley

Stephen B. Whatley is an expressionist painter, published in TIME magazine, whose major commissions include architectural paintings for public institutions including The Royal Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II, London Underground and the BBC; and 30 paintings commissioned by the Tower of London permanently showcased throughout Tower Hill Underpass at Tower Hill. He has been presented to HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

The artist’s vibrant oil paintings are in private collections worldwide and public collections
including BBC Heritage, Historic Royal Palaces, the London Transport Museum, the Royal Collection, Westminster Cathedral & The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA.

 Born in London in 1965 he studied at The Ipswich and Norwich Schools of Art and The University of London in solo & group exhibitions, including London’s National Theatre, the ICA, the Lloyd’s Building, Olympia International Fine Art & Antiques Fair & Westminster Cathedral.

Stephen B Whatley’s work has also been published in The Guardian, Guardian Weekend magazine, HELLO!, MAJESTY, Metro London, The New York Times, The Sunday Express, The Daily Telegraph, The Times & USA TODAY; and is listed in David Buckman’s dictionary, Artists in Britain Since 1945.

Several of Mr. Whatley's Catholic Tributes are published on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.

Tribute to Saint Martha

Artist Stephen B. Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing

From the website of Mr. Whatley:  A New Drawing and Tribute to Saint Martha

Catholic artist Stephen B. Whatley often feels what he calls a 'Divine Push' to honour Christ and His Holy Mother and the Saints. His drawing was created on the Feast Day of Saint Martha on July 29th.

This special Novena To Saint Martha should be recited for nine Tuesdays: It's said that this miraculous Saint grants anything before the Tuesdays are ended, no matter how difficult.

"St. Martha, I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith, I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays. Comfort me in all my difficulties through the great favour thou didst enjoy when Our Saviour lodged in thy house.

I beseech thee to have definite pity in regard to the favour I ask (Mention favour). Intercede for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St. Martha to overcome the dragon which thou didst cast at thy feet.

One Our Father and three Hail Marys, and a Glory Be. Amen.

Light a candle every Tuesday and recite the above prayer, and make it known with the intentions of spreading devotion to St. Martha.

Charcoal on paper
24 x17in/59 x 42cm
 www.stephenbwhatley.com

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal by Artist Stephen B. Whatley

Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The Most Recent Catholic Tribute Painting by Expressionist Artist Stephen B. Whatley

(Reprinted from the website of the artist.)

The origins of this devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal) date back to 1830, in the Chapel of The Sisters of Charity (now known as The Chapel of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal) in Paris, France, where Sister ( now Saint ) Catherine Laboure received three miraculous visitations from Our Lady informing her that She was giving her a mission.

On November 27, 1830 Sister Catherine saw a vision of Our Lady standing on a globe that the Mother of God explained represented the whole world; especially France that was experiencing great poverty during the aftermath the many wars of the time. Her foot is placed on a serpent, below her representing Satan.

Streaming from rings on Mary's fingers were many rays of light that symbolised the graces she obtains for those who ask. Framing the vision was an inscription,

"O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you"

Mother Mary instructed Sister Catherine to have a medal - now known as the Miraculous Medal - created of this image. She then showed her what should be detailed on the reverse of the medal: 12 stars encircling a large "M" from which arose a Cross, below which are two hearts, representing The Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Blessed Virgin Mary told Sister Catherine that "…Those who wear the medal will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around their neck"

Painting in prayer, the artist embroidered all the elements of the Blessed Virgin Mary's instructions into his painting - with a special intention that the painting should bring light, peace, hope and blessings of healing to those who view it.

'Miraculous Medals' cut to this divine design can be bought from cathedrals, churches & Catholic shops.

A Novena (9 day prayer) to the Miraculous Medal can be see read via this link to the official website of The Chapel of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal in Paris , 140 rue du Bac, Paris, France:
www.chapellenotredamedelamedaillemiraculeuse.com/EN/h5.asp

The work of Stephen B. Whatley has been published in TIME magazine and in numerous periodicals including the Catholic press. His work can be found in collections worldwide and in public collections including the BBC Heritage, London Transport Museum, The Royal Collection, The Tower of London (where there is a permanent walkway of the artist's work at Tower Hill) and London's Westminster Cathedral which staged an exhibition of his Catholic tributes, "Paintings From Prayer" - which included a portrait of Pope Francis - in August 2013.

The Feast Day of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal is celebrated the same day as that of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception: December 8th.

Prayers for peace and miracles of strength & healing during Advent, Christmas, and in the New Year.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Oil on canvas,
38 x 24in

Visit the following link for more artwork by the artist: www.stephenbwhatley.com

Visit the following link to read the Catholic Life article:  Stephen B. Whatley The Praying Artist

Our Lady, Mother of Providence

Painting By Stephen B. Whatley

New Christian tribute by artist Stephen B Whatley | Flickr.com

By Stephen B. Whatley

The devotion to Our Lady of Providence originates in Italy in the 1660s through a miracle of help in completing a church that was acquired through prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The devotion was passed to Spain where a shrine was built.

She is the Patron Saint of Puerto Rico, after a Cathedral and diocese and its financial plight there was restored by 'putting everything in the hands of Our Lady'.

Symbolically in traditional images of Our Lady of Providence, the Child Jesus on His Mother's lap is depicted with his hand in Hers.

" Mother I place in your hands the authority to act in my name. From my infinite treasure, you are to provide good things to all those who implore your aid" ~ from : The Illustrated Book of Mary (2010 William J Hirten Co.)

Blessings.

Pastel on paper. (2013)
16.5 x 11.5in /42 x 30cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament

Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament - By Stephen B. Whatley 

By Stephen B. Whatley

I am 'divinely pushed' when I create, especially my works of faith; so often when I might be suffering.

That day I was so tired in the evening but wanted to celebrate my niece, Grace's 5th birthday....exhausted so that I tried to draw and felt it wouldn't come so rejected the drawing, feeling upset...so I prayed harder, determined my energy would not be in vain and this, Our Lady of The Most Blessed Sacrament was the result. Truly one of my most powerful works I gratefully feel; by the grace of God.

May peace, healing and love shine on all who view this image.

Inspired by a devotion randomly selected from the Illustrated Book of Mary (William J. Hirten Co., NY, published 2010).

Our Lady of The Most Blessed Sacrament. 2013
Pastel on paper, 23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm

For prints and original artwork by the artist, please visit the following link: http://www.stephenbwhatley.com/

To see other artwork by the artist, please visit the following link: www.flickr.com/stephenbwhatley

The Remarkable Artwork of Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Lourdes by Stephen B. Whatley

The Art of Stephen B. Whatley - Flickr.com 

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

Stephen B. Whatley is a remarkable and a multi-talented artist.  His colorful artwork spans an array of topics from Christian Tributes, still-life, portraits to landscapes and cityscapes. 

Stephen resides in the UK while his art is in many private collections throughout the world including the USA.  His artwork has been featured in Time magazine, USA Today, The London Times newspaper, and his tribute to Elizabeth Taylor was featured on CNN.

Stephen's commissions include Buckingham Palace and a series of 30 paintings for Her Majesty's Tower of London to name just a few.  

I recently ordered two collectible prints from the artist which arrived from the UK on Friday. The two signed prints include Our Lady of Lourdes and The Virgin Mary of Breezy Point, New York. The vibrant and multihued prints of Our Lady will add a colorful and uplifting presence to my home.  The prints of Our Lady are quite stunning!

Stephen's new painting of Saint Andrew is one of many brilliant portraits of saints that he has painted in recent years.

However, his beautiful cityscape of the Avenue of the Americas, NYC, painted in January of 2013 is refreshing and puts a colorful perspective on one of my favorite cities!  My wife, Teresa and I often visit New York City to see Broadway shows and enjoy lunch or dinner at Carmine's on West 44th Street. The new pastel painting is reflective of the ambiance that Manhattan has to offer while visiting the city.
   
If your interested in original art or prints of Stephen B. Whatley, please visit his website and view his Online Gallery.

The following new paintings and description is reprinted by permission from the artist:

Saint Andrew by Stephen B. Whatley

Saint Andrew, a recent work in oils by expresssionist painter Stephen B. Whatley

The artist felt compelled to pay tribute to this apostle (see image on top) - sometimes called the first friend of Jesus - with prayers and great compassion for a dear friend, Andrew - a devout Catholic from Ireland - who has been fighting throat cancer.

Painted on the Feast Day of St Andrew - November 30, 2012 ( also the National Day of Scotland) - the artist viewed various historic images of Saint Andrew that reveal him usually depicted in late middle age often carrying the cross, upon which he was crucified. He was also inspired by the statue of Saint Andrew in St Patrick's Cathedral, New York City - which features strongly in the romantic Hollywood feature film, Miracle In The Rain (US 1956).

St Andrew was known for his self-effacement and generosity and is Patron Saint of fishermen, and rope makers.

Oil on canvas,
27 x 19.5in/ 68.6 x 50cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

***

Avenue of the Americas, NYC by Stephen B. Whatley

Avenue of the Americas, NYC by Stephen B Whatley 

 

The most recent work in a series of paintings and drawings of New York City by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.

This drawing - made on the first day of 2013 - was inspired by 3 drawings made on location in October 2010 from the edge of Central Park, looking up the Avenue of The Americas, more commonly known as 6th Avenue. Captured here, below the eclectic mix of architecture, is one of the horses and carriages that passed by as Stephen drew - a romantic feature of this area of Manhattan.

Avenue of the Americas, NYC.  January 1, 2013
Pastel on paper, 23.4 x 16.5in/ 59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus

Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus by Stephen B. Whatley

Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The following news item is from the website of artist Stephen B. Whatley:

A new 2012 tribute to the tender love of the Blessed Virgin Mary for her divine baby son, Jesus by expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley. Created the day after Christmas, St. Stephen's Day, the artist selected at random a prayer card icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help as a starting point of inspiration.

May the spirit of love and peace - as best represented by the Holy Mother and Child - fill lives in 2013.

Happy New Year!

Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus. (St. Stephen's Day 2012)
Pastel on paper, 16.5 x 11.5in/42 x 30cm

www.stephenbwhatley.com

Virgin Mary of Breezy Point, New York

Virgin Mary of Breezy Point by Stephen B. Whatley

Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

For anyone unfamiliar with the artwork of Stephen B. Whatley, his paintings are recognized internationally. A feature story about this talented artist and his Christian tributes appears in the September 2011 issue of Catholic Life magazine, published in the UK. The article, Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist is reprinted on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.

More recently, Stephen's painting of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha - the first Native American canonized by Rome on October 21, 2012, is featured in The Vatican Past and Present (Issue 11: November 2012 - January 2013; published by The Universe Media Group Ltd).

The painting of the Virgin Mary of Breezy Point and following article is reprinted by permission from the artist.

From the website of Stephen B. Whatley:

A new tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary, inspired by the statue 'miraculously' left standing as the only remains of The Catholic Church of St. Genevieve in Breezy Point, NY, destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. She stands as a memorial to all those who tragically lost their lives and homes during that storm that assaulted New Jersey and the East Coast of America.

The beautiful statue, standing amongst the ruins of the church was first highlighted by journalist Natalie Keyssar in the Wall Street Journal; and quickly became known as the Virgin Mary, Our Lady or The Madonna of Breezy Point.

This pastel drawing was partly inspired by the beautiful photograph, taken by Bobby Plasencia, showing here on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/op204/8156903668/in/photostream

Created through December 13 and 14, 2012, expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley shows this new tribute in memory of both all those felled by the storm; and most recently in sympathy for all those lives devastated on December 14 at the school in Newtown, Connecticut. May faith go some way to consoling those in the most devastating state of grief.  Peace.

Pastel on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm

To view more of Stephen's work or to order prints, please visit www.stephenbwhatley.com.

50 artists from Progetto Arte Poli give facelift to new churches

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

For 60 years the Italian artist Albano Poli has been working to renew the aesthetics of Catholic churches as well as promoting meditation through art.

From his art gallery in Rome, he creates stained glass windows, mosaics and statues with a group of artists known as Progetto Arte Poli. It's a team of around 50 people located in Verona, Italy.

ANDREA MEZZETTI
Assistant, Progetto Arte Poli“Around 80 to 90 percent of our work is related to the Church. From sunrise to sunset, we are thinking about how to give a greater sense to the liturgy. We're also helping priests to deepen their celebration of the Eucharist at Sunday Mass, in every religious rite.”

Among the art pieces in the gallery, there is a giant mosaic of John Paul II that highlights his facial features. There's also this mosaic of the risen Christ made of marble in different planes.

This team of artists now has an international reputation for their work that has traveled to places like Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, France and most recently in Chile.

ANDREA MEZZETTI
Assistant, Progetto Arte Poli
“We are doing important work in Coquimbo, Chile, which is the location of the tallest Cross in Latin America. It's the Cross of the Third Millennium, it's close to 300 feet tall and was created by Ramón Bravo. We were asked to make the bronze door to this great temple and bronze figure of the Blessed John Paul II.”

The Progetto Arte Poli was also responsible for the design of the vestments worn by priests at Mass.
Their work of precision art goes to show that many forms of artwork have a deeper meaning behind the beauty.

Artwork of Stephen B. Whatley displayed at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in England

Archbishop Vincent Nichols and Stephen B. Whatley

The following excerpt from the website of Stephen B. Whatley:

On Sunday May 6, 2012, artist Stephen B. Whatley was invited by Fr. John Deehan of St. Thomas More RC Church, Eastcote, to a concelebrated Mass with Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales; followed by the blessing by the Archbishop of the new church hall.

The Glory of Christ by Stephen B. Whatley

The church hall was adorned with new prints of Stephen's paintings purchased by St. Thomas More Church; at which the artist gave a lecture about his art and faith in July 2009.

On loan at the church is Stephen B Whatley's original painting, "The Glory of Christ" - pictured here with the Archbishop and the artist, after the blessing ceremony - in a photograph kindly taken by Parish secretary, Helen Howley.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols is a kind man who showed much interest in Stephen's work; humbly asking to take his own personal photograph of the painting on his mobile phone camera - which impressed the artist who is not so adept at using his own cell phone!

View more of Stephen B. Whatley's work at the following link: Christian Tributes

Prayer for Married Couples

The Monitor - Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, NJ


Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

The Monitor is a newspaper published by the Catholic Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey. The publication requested permission to use one of my stained glass window photographs in their September 15, 2011 issue.

The photograph of Jesus and Mary at the Wedding at Cana appears on page four in the article "For the Love of God" by Mary Morrell. The image also appears on page six and is combined with a Prayer for Married Couples.

The stained glass window can be seen inside Saint Peter the Apostle Church, Baldwin Road, Parsippany, New Jersey.



Jesus and Mary at the Wedding at Cana - Stained Glass Window Detail
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar



Prayer for Married Couples - (The Monitor)

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
By the Sacrament of marriage,
your grace unites man and woman
in an unbreakable bond of love and peace.

You have designed the chaste love of husband
and wife for the increase both of the human family
and of your own family born in baptism.

You are the loving Father of this world of nature;
you are the loving Father of the new creation of grace.

In Christian marriage you bring
together the two orders of creation:
Nature's gift of children enriches the world
And your grace enriches also your Church.

May those who are called
to the vocation of marriage always be mindful
of your love and presence in their lives.
Amen

For More Devotional Prayers: Christian-Miracles.com

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux by Stephen B. Whatley



Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
By artist Stephen B. Whatley


Saint Thérèse of Lisieux by Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

"I have never given the good God anything but love; He will return that love. After my death I will let fall a shower of roses," so spoke Marie Francois Thérèse Martin (1873-1897) just before her tragic death.

The discovery of Saint Thérèse (canonised in 1925) has taken my breath away. She experienced an urgent calling to serve God; while suffering great mental as well as physical anguish - openly admitting to experiencing darknesses of the soul that she feared might crush her faith entirely.

As an artist, I have fought depressions all my life; and no less so than when, on the last day of August, I felt 'divinely pushed' to begin this tribute. Fighting through exhaustion and darkness; and therefore ever dependent on prayer, I felt the promise of roses...pink roses...graces...I felt her like 'the little flower' that expressed her tender humility.

There are times when perhaps to those distant from any spiritual belief (even agnostic) can find God and I feel that such relatively contemporary Saints such as St Therese (whose presence in this life is recorded in photographs; that inspired this painting) can make the path to God more accessible.

Turn to her, in the must humble and simple of prayers....St Thérèse is known as a Saint, through whom miracles can occur. I pray that there will be miracles of healing, prosperity and waves of peace for all those who mourn. Remembering all those who lost their lives and their families and friends who grieve in New York City on September 11.

Stephen B. Whatley, September 11, 2011

Saint Thérèse de Lisieux (2011)
Oil on canvas
24 x 18in / 61 x 46cm
Private collection, Georgia, USA

David Garibaldi: Jesus Painting

David Garibaldi: Jesus Painting from Thriving Churches on Vimeo.


David Garibaldi: Jesus Painting on Vimeo

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

David Garibaldi is one extraordinary artist that will captivate you as he paints the face of Jesus on canvas.  He surprises the viewer with bold strokes of paint which at first appear abstract and then suddenly flips the painting over (bottom reversed to top) to reveal the face of Jesus.  Stunning work of art!

Our Lady of Divine Providence

Our Lady of Divine Providence
By artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Divine Providence by Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Catholic Calendar.  I felt compelled with an urgency as I often feel when expressing my faith through art - to pay tribute to another devotion to the Mother of God, Our Lady of Divine Providence. Everyone is aware from the current international news of the financial plight of so many in the world; and I personally know several people under this pressure, particularly in the USA.

I pray that my drawing will give peace, hope and bring relief through prayer to whoever views the drawing. I was overtaken as I drew- indeed 'charged' with prayerful energy, reciting Hail Mary repeatedly - particularly as the tender face of the Mother of God emerged through my drawing.

The history of this particular devotion to Our Lady dates back 400 years to 1611 in Rome; when Barnabites (clerics of St Paul) were unable to complete construction of their church due to financial problems. The pastor made a pilgrimage to Loreto to beg Our Lady for help and on his return was rewarded with the financial means to finish the church.

He ensured that Our Lady receive credit for the miracle by placing a factual account in the parish archives. In 1663, after an image of Our Lady was moved to the altar in the church and fell, breaking into pieces, the architect offered the Barnabites a painting of the Blessed Mother with the Child Jesus in her lap, by the artist Gaetan.

One of the Fathers found the Pastor's original writings about the miracle; resulting from devotion and trust in Our Lady, Mother of Providence.

Devotion passed to Spain where a shrine was built in Tarragona, Catalonia. A Catalan priest, named bishop of Puerto Rico, was assigned a diocese in ruin, plagued with financial problems. Putting everything in the hands of Our Lady - through prayer - the Cathedral was restored and the diocese re-established.

The way the hand of Jesus is wrapped around His Mother's hand is symbolic of Our Lady of Divine Providence..."Mother, I place in your hands the authority to act in my name. From my infinite treasure, you are to provide good things to all those who implore your aid".

I am particularly grateful to a dear American friend, James, who kindly sent me the Illustrated Book of Mary (published: William J. Hirton Co. 2010) in which I learned of this devotion; and the illustration became my starting point for this tribute.

Prayer to Our Lady of Divine Providence

God, Our Father, we give you thanks as we honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother Of Divine providence.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, She became the mother of The Saviour. As queen sitting at the right hand of her Son, she aids the church with her needs and with maternal care provides the personal needs of her children who were entrusted to her at the Cross by Jesus, Our Lord

We implore Thee Father, through the prayers of our Lady, Mother Of Divine Providence, to remove from us whatever is harmful, and to bestow on us only that which will be helpful.

We ask Thee this through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

"May there be great blessings of peace, relief, new empowerment and prosperity through the Grace of Our Lady of Divine Providence, throughout August and beyond." ~ Stephen B Whatley, August 1, 2011

Charcoal on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm

To view Stephen's painting of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, click on the following link:  www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/4711812117/

Copyright 2011 Stephen B. whatley

Wonders Photobook on Focus Project 2011

Miracle of the Sun
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Wonders of Color and Light Photobook on Focus Project 2011

By Loci B. Lenar

Twenty of my photographs have been submitted to the Focus Project 2011 in order to share my work with others. One of the photos, Miracle of the Sun was photographed in 2008 inside the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the Shrine Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima. The chapel is located on the grounds of the World Apostolate of Fatima, Washington, New Jersey.

After taking the photograph, I shared the image with my spiritual advisor, Fr. Richard Tartaglia, exactly as it was captured on the camera's digital memory card. The image was transferred on to a CD for St. Mary's Church archives in Denville, NJ.

The competition is open to everyone interested in photography and helps in supplying exposure to emerging photographers.  The Focus Project indicates on their website that portfolios are viewed by thousands of visitors every month.

Corpus Christi - 2
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

A jury will review all of the entries; the Grand Prize selected winner will be announced in March 2012.  For additional information, please visit the website: Focus Project 

In the meantime thank you very much for reviewing my portfolio and voting for my work at the following link: Wonders of Color and Light Photobook

Heavenly Jesus by Stephen B. Whatley

Heavenly Jesus
By Stephen B. Whatley

Heavenly Jesus - Advent 2010 by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Guest post by Stephen B. Whatley

In prayer, I felt I saw Christ, in the sky....on the second Sunday of Advent, December 5th, after attending Mass. Walking across Covent Garden, London - on my way to swim, which has become a regular prayerful exercise I stopped, looking up at the clear blue sky, and was praying.

As I gazed at a single white cloud, deep in prayer- I seemed to 'feel' Jesus, a sense of his head and shoulders- within the whiteness - and a gentle blue halo. Virtually abstract. As ever, the mind questions,interferes, however deep the faith (I often ask Jesus to hear my heart, not my mind...) and the cloud changed - but His image felt imbedded in my heart.

Exhausted from swimming - and the cold winter temperatures!  I felt unable to attempt any artistic interpretation once home; but on the Monday I felt seized with an urgency to transcribe on paper a sense of what I felt; resulting in the above drawing.

Jesus Christ is there for those who seek - and His love is eternal.

Happy Christmas - Peace and Blessings on His birthday and throughout 2011.



The Holy Nativity
Painted in 2008
By Stephen B. Whatley


Copyright 2010 Stephen B. Whatley

New Book Series to Feature the Christian Art of Stephen B. Whatley

The Glory of Christ
Painting by Stephen B. Whatley


New Book Series to Feature the Christian Art of Stephen B Whatley in 2011 - Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Editors at SPCK (Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge) have commissioned to publish four of expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley's Christian paintings on the covers of a new series of books, 'Meeting Jesus' by best-selling US author Marcus J. Borg, whose works have been published in 9 languages.

The painting, The Glory of Christ (detail of picture shown above) will be the cover for the first book in the series, 'Meeting Jesus' which is due for publication in February 2011.

To see the full image as it will be appear on the cover, please click on the following link:
www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/2357252831/

SPCK has also published Stephen B. Whatley's iconic portrait of Christ: 'Jesus: Feast Day of the Divine Mercy' (painted in 2003).  The painting is on the cover of The Historical Jesus: Five Views.  The book was published in February 2010.  The Christian book publisher is located in London.

The Glory of Christ- Easter Day 2008
Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/76 x 61cm

More about the artist: Stephen B. Whatley

Copyright 2010 Stephen B. Whatley

Corpus Christi Church: A Display of Colorful Light



Light of Corpus Christi - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

While driving through Chatham Township, NJ, I experienced what could be described as a spiritual invitation by Our Lord Jesus to visit Corpus Christi Catholic Church. As I entered the church, my eyes were beholding a rear and beautiful display of light shining through the stained glass windows. The exhibition of colorful light can be seen throughout the church. Sunlight is creating beautiful colors as it shines through the stained glass and reflects on the church floor, the plants, and pews. 

In the center of the church there is a large cross depicting the Crucifixion of Jesus.



Crucifixion - Photo by Loci B. Lenar



Corpus Christi Church Pews - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

I also photographed a series of images thoughout the church which are part of the Corpus Christi Church set on Flickr.com.

Corpus Christi 8 - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Corpus Christi 10 - Photo by Loci B. Lenar



Window with Angel - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

St. Joseph - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Corpus Christi Church - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

If you decide to visit the church, it's located on 234 Southern Boulevard in Chatham, New Jersey. The town is located in Morris County.

Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

St. Teresa of Avila Church: Inspirational Window Art

Jesus Christ (window detail)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

While driving through Summit, New Jersey, I came across and stopped at the St. Teresa of Avila Church. The beautiful Catholic Church is located on 306 Morris Avenue.

Since I had my camera in hand, it was a perfect opportunity to take some photographs of the stained glass windows. The photos are posted here for your enjoyment. I've added scripture to some photos to illustrate the image.



St. Joseph (window detail)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar



Angel of the Lord (window detail)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."   -Matthew 28:5-7

Sacred Heart of Jesus (window detail)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Assumption of Mary into Heaven
Photo by Loci B. Lenar



Baptism of Jesus (window detail)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."  
-Matthew 3:13-17

More of Lenar's Photos: Stained Glass Window Gallery

Photographs Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar

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Blessed John Henry Newman by Stephen B Whatley

Blessed John Henry Newman by Stephen B Whatley

The Blessed John Henry Newman - Painted in 2010 by Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

The noteworthy painting and following description is from the website of Stephen B. Whatley:

On Sunday, September 19, 2010 the British Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890) - who converted from Church of England to Catholicism in his youth - was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI at the end of his visit to Scotland and England that moved the nation.

Stephen B. Whatley was deeply inspired to paint a tribute to the now, Blessed John Henry Newman on that special day. Beginning painting after watching the live television broadcast of the beatification, the expressionist artist says his painting “was inspired by a montage of pictures of Newman throughout his life; with a focus on him as a young man, the spirit of eternal youth in heaven. The suggestion of his crucifix was inspired by that which he was photographed wearing as Cardinal, in old age. I noticed how often he fell into this contemplative pose, his hand raised to his face. The painting, made with many prayers, was complete by 4.55pm; whilst the Pope was still on British soil”.

Beatification is the penultimate stage before canonization as Saint; though by all accounts of the peaceful and holy life of deep faith and goodwill that John Henry Newman lead was that of a 'living Saint'.

Another beacon of contemporay hope present at the beatification Mass in Birmingham UK was Deacon John Sullivan from Massachusetts USA - who in 2001 experienced a miraculous cure of a spinal condition- that had threatened paralysis- and his training before ordination.

After seeing a television programme about Cardinal Newman , Mr Sullivan prayed simply: " Please Cardinal Newman intercede with God to help me go back to classes and be ordained".

For the next 8 months he was relieved of pain and able to walk upright. Then when his classes were complete, the pain returned in fury; and in hospital Mr Sullivan again prayed to Cardinal Newman's interecession. A warm sensation overwhelmed his body and in his words, ".. a tingling all over lasting about 10 minutes; and a tremendous sense of joy, exhuberance and confidence.." - and pain free ever since he was proclaimed cured at the astonishment of his doctors.

The simplest of prayers said with faith can be answered............miracles can happen.

The Blessed John Henry Newman. September 19, 2010
Oil on canvas
24 x 18in/61 x 46cm

To see other paintings by the artist, please visit the following link: Stephen B Whatley: Christian Tributes

About the artist Stephen B. Whatley: http://www.stephenbwhatley.com/about.htm