Feast of St. Andrew: Saint of the Day for November 30th

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:16-18)

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena 

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O My God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen

 

It is piously believed that whoever recites the prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (November 30th) until Christmas (December 25th) will obtain what is asked.

 

The novena is not actually addressed to Saint Andrew but to God Himself, asking Him to grant our request in the honor of the birth of His Son at Christmas. 

 

(Imprimatur: +MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York, New York, February 6, 1897.)

 

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Stained glass window photographed inside Saint Peter the Apostle Church, Parsippany, NJ, USA.

Read More: History of St. Andrew

 

Photograph Copyright Loci B. Lenar

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

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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

St. Andrew Novena to Obtain Favors

St. Andrew by Lawrence OP
Flickr Photo Sharing

St. Andrew Christmas Novena – Prayer to obtain favors (Nov 30th – Dec 25th)

From CatholicDaily.net:

It is piously believed that whoever recites the prayer below fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (November 30th) until Christmas (December 25th) will obtain what is asked:

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O My God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen

(Imprimatur: +MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York, New York, February 6, 1897.)

History of St. Andrew

Devotional Prayers