Showing posts with label Stephen B. Whatley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stephen B. Whatley. Show all posts

Friday, December 30, 2011

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

St. Pio of Pietrelcina by Stephen B. Whatley

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

A tribute to Padre Pio (Italy 1887-1968), proclaimed Saint Pio by John Paul II in 1982; spontaneously created in the evening of his feast Day, September 23, 2011.

Deeply holy from early life, the Italian priest's deep faith was distinguished by the miraculous marking of the stigmata, his claim that he could hear the hearts of those in Confession and the miracles of healing that have been experienced through prayers to him and his intercession before Christ.

"Pray, hope, don't worry" - Padre Pio

Charcoal and pastel on paper,
16.5 x 11.5in/42 x 30cm

Our Lady of Refuge

Our Lady of Refuge by Stephen B. Whatley


By Stephen B. Whatley

On December 8th, 2011, the Catholic Church celebrated The Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Divinely chosen to bear the Son of God, Mary is the first, the Queen of Saints and prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary are carried, through Her intercession to her Son Jesus Christ.

Increasingly I have felt a deepening attachment to Mother Mary; praying the Rosary every day. The Hail Mary is the simplest but so powerful of prayers. There are many devotions to Mary and many miraculous apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary - as mother of all, calling for peace - that have been witnessed through the ages, worldwide.

Recently as I climbed the hill home, praying to Mary for the strength to carry out a portrait commission the following day ( my buildup before any painting is one of deep prayer; during my accumulation of nervous and emotional energy). I felt my heart ask how Mary would like me to interpret her - my Christian tributes are a visual extension of my prayer - and I 'heard' "Our Lady of Refuge".

I was aware of this American devotion to Mary and I knew I had to make this drawing; partly inspired by a painting by Mexican artist Joseph de Paez; from 1750.

Our Lady of Refuge is Patroness of California and parts of Mexico,. The bishop of Baja, California proclaimed Her as Patron in 1843, exclaiming, "...with so great a patroness and protectress what can we not promise ourselves? What can be wanting and whom need we fear?"

In 1981 the California Catholic Conference of Bishops petitioned the Vatican to officially observe the Feast Day of Our Lady of Refuge on July 5th; which was approved in 1982.

May there be miraculous healings, new strength and prosperity through prayers to the Mother of God, on this special day; and thereafter.

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

Charcoal on paper
16.5 x 11.5in/42 x 30cm

More on 'Our Lady of Refuge' www.catholictradition.org/Mary/hope-popup1.htm

Holy Baby Jesus

Holy Baby Jesus by Stephen B. Whatley

By Stephen B. Whatley

Painted on Christmas Day, 2011, a new tribute to the humble birth of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, in Bethlehem, over 2000 years ago. 

Jesus' humility - and my love of birds - is symbolised by both the dove (the Holy Spirit) and the small garden bird resting on the hand of Jesus. I chose a Chickadee from North America; reflecting my affection for that land - for while Jesus was born in the Middle East; he came to bring peace to all creatures worldwide. Birds are often called 'Messengers of God'.

Jesus' love can be born in hearts, old and new; His love is eternal.

Peace at Christmas.

On December 26th, marks the Feast Day of St. Stephen, first martyr. He was stoned to death and prayed for forgiveness for his murderers. Forgiveness brings healing.

Oil on canvas
27 x 19.5in/70 x 50cm

Mary, Help of Christians

Mary, Help of Christians by Stephen B. Whatley  

Mary, Help of Christians by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

Christmas Blessings .....a drawing spontaneously made earlier this month, on December 4, 2011, taking its inspiration from one of my prayer cards, Mary, Help of Christians - a Catholic devotion that dates back to the 16th century; there is even mention of this title in 345 AD. 

The drawing in charcoal and pastel evolved with deep prayer; and in praying for peace, happiness, healing & relief of those in sorrow at this time, I include the prayer that is on my prayer card.

Mary, Help of Christians

"Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians,
how sweet it is to come to your feet
imploring your perpetual help.
If earthly mothers cease not to remember their children,
how can you, the most loving of all mothers forget me?
Grant then to me, I implore you,
your perpetual help in all my necessities,
in every sorrow, and especially in all my temptations.
I ask for your unceasing help for all who are now suffering.
Help the weak, cure the sick, convert sinners.
Grant through your intercessions many vocations to the religious life.
Obtain for us, O Mary, Help of Christians,
that having invoked you on earth we may love and eternally thank you in heaven."

By St. John Bosco

Just as Christ was born 2000 years ago, I pray that His love and peace will be born in more and more hearts.
Happy Christmas!

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

Sunday, November 13, 2011

St Francis of Assisi - New Drawing by Stephen B. Whatley

St. Francis of Assisi by Stephen B. Whatley

St Francis of Assisi - New 2011 Drawing by Stephen B. Whatley - Flickr.com

By Stephen B. Whatley

Francis of Assisi (1282-1226) was an Italian Catholic friar and preacher. His faith became paramount over anything worldy and he is perhaps most known for his love of nature - feeling that all God's creations were part of his brotherhood; the humble sparrow as much his brother as the Pope.

I felt inspired to pay tribute through this spontaneous drawing, to this great Saint on his Feast Day, October 4th; looking intially at a small prayer card and studies of North American birds made on location at a nature reserve in New York State in February 2010.

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

***

Prayer of St Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux by Stephen B. Whatley


Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. 2011 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

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Catholic Life: Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist


Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

Stephen B. Whatley is a gifted and talented artist that paints with spiritual inspiration, which flows from his heart and soul on to the canvas in a contemporary flair of abstract colors. 

Stephen's Christian art is featured in the September 2011 issue of Catholic Life magazine.

I am very grateful to Stephen for allowing me to post his beautiful work on this blog.

His artwork is also on the homepage of Christian-Miracles.com and can be seen throughout our site with corresponding devotional prayers, including The Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes.

***

By Stephen B. Whatley

Blessed with my biggest interview and feature to date about my work and faith in Catholic Life magazine (September 2011) which has honoured me with the cover and a 6-page feature that includes 10 pictures.

Tony Glacius who interviewed me in July has written a powerful and hard hitting feature that covers my life experiences and career - all aspects including my expressions of my faith. From early tragedy, to the solace and trials of working with my art. The feature includes details on one of the spiritual experiences during one of my portrait sittings with a TV personality; my Royal commissions; and the profound reactions of American nuns, who discovered my work.

Catholic Life is available in the UK, USA and Canada. Deep gratitude to Tony Galcius and editor Brendan Gilligan who presented this feature so beautifully.

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

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

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Our Lady of Medjugorje - Queen of Peace

Our Lady Queen of Peace
By Artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady, Queen of Peace - 2011 Oil Painting by Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

June marks the 30th anniversary of regular apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to six young people in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Hercegovina; through whom the Mother of God came to plead the message of Peace. 'Our Lady of Medjugorje' gave herself the title of Queen of Peace.

Our Lady first appeared on June 24, 1981 (also the birthday of John the Baptist) and on June 25, 2011, the unofficial Feast Day. I felt compelled to paint in deep prayer this tribute to the Holy Mother of God; accompanied by the knowledge of descriptions given by the witnesses and a devoted pilgrim whom I have been privileged to know.

I pray there may be peace, healing, and relief for anyone who views this new painting. Blessings of Peace in the name of Mary Mother of God and Her Son, Jesus Christ.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace
Oil on canvas - 27 x 24in

See more Christian paintings by the artist at the following link: Stephen B. Whatley
 
Copyright 2011 by Stephen B. Whatley

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Our Lady of Lourdes: A New Painting by Artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Lourdes
Painting by Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Lourdes by Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Stephen B. Whatley is recognized as an accomplished artist and is remarkably talented when it comes to painting pictures.   His images of religious figures are painted with colorful abstract strokes of the brush and immediately grab your attention.  Stephen has created a masterful work of art which captivates the viewer with his new painting of Our Lady of Lourdes.  This beautiful picture is posted on the website of Christian-Miracles.com.  The painting is combined with Prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes and can be read at the following link: Devotional Prayers.       ~Loci B. Lenar


By Stephen B. Whatley

February 11 was the anniversary of the beginning of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to a young girl, Bernadette Soubirous - now St Bernadette - in 1858, Lourdes, France. Since then , the Mother of God has been known in that region as Our Lady of Lourdes.

It was in a grotto that she first miraculously appeared; and where on February 25, she told Bernadette to dig around in the soil and drink the water. The following day, water flowed from that spot; and on March 1st, a woman was cured of paralysis by dipping her hand into the spring.

A priest requested from Bernadette to ask the beautiful lady her name, and was convinced and confirmed that it was indeed the Blessed Virgin Mary, because the young girl had answered "Immaculate Conception," words she would not have known then.

Since then, thousands have made pilgrimages to this holy spot in France; and 67 known cures have been recognised by the church- though it is possible that many have gone unrecorded. It remains a great haven of hope; as do the prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes.

"It was cloudy and gray in London this February 11, 2011 as I prayed in preparation to paint this tribute from my heart and soul - but just as I began, the sun broke through the clouds - my prayers were for healing for all those I know who are sick and suffering.

I hope viewers will be blessed with peace, hope and healing, through faith, by seeing this painting.

Our Lady of Lourdes
Oil on canvas
36 x 24in/82 x 61cm

***

For more information about the artist, please visit the following link: Stephen B. Whatley

For additional information about the apparitions, please visit the following link: Our Lady of Lourdes

Prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes



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Saturday, December 25, 2010

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

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Friday, December 10, 2010

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

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Saint Michael the Archangel by Stephen B. Whatley

St. Michael the Archangel
By Artist Stephen B. Whatley

St. Michael the Archangel - Painted in 2010 by Artist Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

The bright colors in the new painting by Stephen B. Whatley represent the mighty power of God and His authority working through Archangel Michael. The novena to St. Michael is a reminder of God's faithfulness in helping people during times of adversity.

The painting of Archangel Michael and the following information is from Stephen's website:

Saint Michael the Archangel - a new tribute painted by Stephen B Whatley on St Michael's Feast Day (September 29) and completed on the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi. (October 4).

Saint Michael is seen as the Warrior Angel, fighting off Satan in heaven and protecting God's chosen people on earth from evil and enemies. St Michael occupies a special place in the church, appointed its protector; and his Intercession is encouraged to defeat the evil in the world - and for the protection from danger for anyone in their every day life.

"...as ever I prayed deeply for the strength and insight to express the power of St Michael; and while I looked at a variety of historic interpretations, this painting had its beginnings in my memory of the flickering flame that rose above a candle embossed with the image of St Michael, the evening before as my nervous and creative energy was building in praparation and determination to create this new tribute. Brushstrokes of warm yellows were felt from my heart; from where the defiant but graceful face of St Michael the Archangel would emerge.

I truly felt guided to paint a humble cross within his hand as his 'shield' - which maybe symbolises the power of faith, however big or small."

Singular prayers can be asked of St Michael; or 9 day prayers (Novenas) as below.


Novena Prayer to St Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His people, I turn to you with confidence and seek your powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who made you so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer. You know the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate your loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and your great love for God and people. And since you are God's messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to you this special request: (Mention your request).

Saint Michael, since you are, by the Will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in your prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God's holy will my petition will be greated.

Pray for me, Saint Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through your powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death, and reach heaven where we may praise and love God with you forever.

Amen.

Saint Michael the Archangel.
Oil on canvas, 36 x 24in/ 89 x 61cm
Copyright 2010 Stephen B. Whatley

For more about the artist, please visit the following link: Stephen B. Whatley

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Saturday, October 09, 2010

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

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Monday, June 21, 2010

The Immaculate Heart of Mary by Stephen B. Whatley

The Immaculate Heart of Mary
Oil on Canvas
By Stephen B. Whatley


Commentary By Loci B. Lenar

The Christian artwork of Stephen B. Whatley is not only colorful, but also refreshing. He communicates a contemporary interpretation of religious faith through brilliant brush strokes of pastel colors that are attention-grabbing. His artwork is indeed quite stunning!

Stephen's art has appeared in numerous publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today. The new painting in my opinion is an exquisite contemporary portrayal of The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

***


By Stephen B. Whatley

The Feast Day of The Immaculate Heart of Mary was commemorated on June 12, 2010. On that special day, I created a new painting with deep prayer.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary symbolises the joys, sorrows and love for God and the Son Jesus by the Mother of God.

Traditionally, in artistic images, Mary has been portrayed presenting her heart circled by roses, symbolising love; and white roses at that, to signify the purity of that love.

As with all my Christian paintings, I felt compelled, drawn by my faith to celebrate the beauty and tenderness of the love and sorrow of this Divine Mother.

Earlier I had been reading about the miraculous visions of the Mother of God who first appeared to six teenagers in 1981; and for several years thereafter in Medugorje, a small town in Bosnia, Herzecovina. Mary's message was that she was the Queen of Peace for which she encouraged prayer.

She was said to be about twenty years of age, with dark hair, blue eyes and of olive complexion with reddish cheeks - and her voice was said to be musical. Bearing this in mind and passing my eye over various interpretations, I ultimately let prayer dictate the path of this new tribute.

Copyright 2010 Stephen B. Whatley

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Saturday, May 08, 2010

Divine Mercy for the World by Stephen B. Whatley

Divine Mercy for the World (2010) by Stephen B. Whatley
Oil on Canvas - 30" x 24" / 76 cm x 61cm

Divine Mercy for The World (2010) by Stephen B Whatley on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

Divine Mercy Sunday was celebrated in 2010 on April 11, the first week after Easter in the Catholic calender.

The message of the overflowing Mercy that Jesus offers to those who have trust; and to all of us with the greatest of sins to our name, was vividly given, through visitations to a Polish nun Sister Faustina (1905-1938) relatively recently; during the 20th Century. This humble woman of faith was canonized as St Faustina in 2000, by Pope John Paul II.

Sister Faustina kept a detailed journal (A Diary: "Divine Mercy in My Soul") first published in 1981; and on February 22, 1931 she recorded in her diary: 'I saw Jesus dressed in a white garment. He held one hand raised in blessing and the other hand was touching his garment at the breast. From under the garment came two rays of light, one red, one pale.'


by Stephen B. Whatley

She goes on to record that Jesus said 'paint a picture according to the vision you see and with the signature, Jesus I Trust in You...'  She went on to find an artist to help create a portrait to these instructions; as have subsequent artists, including myself - through three interpretations in 2002, 2007 and in 2009; that can all be seen on the site of Flickr.com in the Christian Set.

Sister Faustina asked Jesus what the rays signified.  He said: 'The rays represent the Blood and Water which gushed forth from the depths of my Mercy when My agonising Heart was pierced on the cross. The pale rays signify the water, which cleanses and purifies the soul; the red rays represent the blood which gives new life to the soul - rays shielding the soul before the justice of My Father...'

The message of Jesus through St Faustina is clear: devotion to the Divine Mercy is universal and open to all; in His words, 'Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins may be scarlet'.

This year I felt compelled to paint a new interpretation in celebration of this Divine Mercy; and through deep prayer felt a conception growing; a realisation that I must include the world within the painting.

In a way my painting reflects an important prayer given to St Faustina by Jesus; that can be said at the Hour of Mercy, 3 PM - for the needs of oneself or others:

'You expired Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls and an ocean of Mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I Trust in You, Jesus I trust in You.'

I have personally experienced mercy - even miracles - through prayer and trusting in Jesus for help no matter what this life might deliver; and never feel alone.

"Jesus I Trust in Thee"

 Peace.

**********

The following background information can be read on the website of Stephen B. Whatley:

His work is in numerous private collections in Denmark, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and the U.S.A.; and in public collections, including the BBC, Historic Royal Palaces, the London Transport Museum, the Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II and Taylor Woodrow Property Company Ltd.

The work of Stephen B. Whatley has been the subject of features in The Guardian, Guardian Weekend magazine, HELLO! magazine, MAJESTY magazine, Metro London Newspaper, The Sunday Express, The Daily Telegraph, The London Times newspaper, TIME magazine and USA TODAY; and the 2006 book, Marilyn In Art.

In February 2010 one of Stephen’s paintings of Jesus Christ will be published on the cover of the book, The Historical Jesus: Five Views (SPCK Publishing).

Copyright 2010 Stephen B. Whatley

***

Visit the following link to recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

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