Our Lady of Las Vegas

By Stephen B. Whatley

"Our Lady of Las Vegas," a new (Catholic) tribute drawing in pastel, created with prayers for hope and light for the USA and the world, on December 20, 2016.

I was touched by a children's book that I bought in America last month, entitled Mary and The 50 States; which includes reference to the Church of the Guardian Angels on the Strip in Las Vegas; where an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary shines out from a stained glass window...has anyone seen it?

I have tried researching.

I liked the idea of bright spiritual light amongst the city of neon lights and shallow deals; not forgetting that Las Vegas is also a beautiful sunny desert region.
May all who view this image of the Holy Mother and Child receive gifts of light, hope and healing, wherever needed.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

About the artist: Stephen B. Whatley is an expressionist painter, published in TIME magazine, whose major commissions include architectural paintings for public institutions including the BBC, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London – where his work is permanently reproduced 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.

www.stephenbwhatley.com

***

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

Stephen B. Whatley is recognized internationally for his Catholic and Christian tributes. Mr. Whatley is a resident of England (UK). However, his paintings and prints are collected all over the world including the USA. I wish to thank Mr. Whatley for sharing his beautiful artwork on our blog and website, www.Christian-Miracles.com.

Jesus, Lord of Miracles

New Catholic Tribute by International Artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

News from the artists' website: A new 2016 tribute to the miracles of Jesus, possible through complete Trust in the Lord and faith, created by artist Stephen B. Whatley on 30 April. This was a profound date in the artist's life in 1998 when he experienced a miracle that saved the lives of himself and a friend when in potentially mortal danger. His prayer was simply "Please help us God".

Since 2000, Whatley - a convert to Catholicism - has felt what he describes as a "divine push" to create Christian tributes of faith, love and hope - through prayer. His exhibition "Paintings of Prayer" was on show in Westminster Cathedral, London in 2013.

The work of Stephen B. Whatley has been published in TIME, is in collections worldwide and public collections including The Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II and BBC Heritage - while his series of 30 paintings commissioned by the Tower of London are permanently reproduced throughout the walkway outside Tower Hill Station, leading to the Tower.

Today is The Ascension of Our Lord: May there be miracles of healing, reconciliation, peace and prosperity.

Charcoal and pastel on paper.
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

More beautiful artwork by Stephen B. Whatley can be seen on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

New Catholic Tribute by international artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

A new painting by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, created in pastel on November 17, 2015, the Feast Day of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.

From Magnificat, November 2015: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

As a young child Elizabeth, the daughter of Andrew, King of Hungary, was sent to the palace of Wartburg in Thuringia to be raised alongside her future husband, Ludwig. She was a prodigy of charity. From the age of fourteen, when she became queen, she served the poor with her own hands. It is said that on one occasion, Elizabeth hurried from the palace with her apron full of bread for the hungry, but was stopped by her angry husband. She opened the apron and a bunch of red roses tumbled out. After Ludwig's death in 1227, Elizabeth entered the Franciscan Third Order and gave herself wholly to nursing the sick. She died at the age of twenty-four.

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary is Patron Saint of many causes, including the homeless.

More about St Elizabeth:
www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=45
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_of_Hungary

Pastel on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

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 and USA TODAY; and is listed in David Buckman’s dictionary, Artists in Britain Since 1945.

The Spirit of St James's Church: 125th Anniversary Tribute

A new painting created in 2015 by international artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

A new painting focusing on the Sanctuary and interior of St. James's RC Church, Spanish Place, London; which opened on September 29, 1890. Its rich history and association with Spain stretches back to the 16th century and is contained in the link from the Parish website: www.sjrcc.org.uk/page7/parishhistory.html

Expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley - whose Catholic tribute paintings have been exhibited at London's Westminster Cathedral - created the oil painting inspired by a series of drawings made on location inside the beautiful church, a jewel in Marylebone in central London. The painting was completed over several days - including the actual anniversary.

Oil on canvas
36 x 48in/91 x 122cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Several of Mr. Whatley's paintings are published on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com including a feature article about the artist from Catholic Life Magazine. The article is reprinted with permission on the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/artofstephenbwhatley.htm

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.

Holy Peace: The Solemnity of The Blessed Virgin Mary

New painting by artist Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing

Reprinted with permission from the website of artist Stephen B. Whatley:

Today, February 11 is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes - commemorating the miraculous visions to St. Bernadette in France in 1858, which have lead to numerous miraculous healings throughout the world.

This new painting commissioned by Catholic collectors in the USA was uniquely inspired by the recalling of a miraculous vision, evoking love and peace, of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit experienced in the past year.

Expressionist painter Stephen B. Whatley often selects significant dates to create his work and chose to begin this new tribute painting on January 1, the World Day of Peace and The Solemnity of The Blessed Virgin Mary; with a dependence on prayer, particularly to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The collectors who commissioned the work of art were introduced to the artist's work through a 2014 feature about his art by Erin Brierley in the US magazine, Saint Anthony Messenger; and overwhelmed with the painting, wish the painting to be shared publicly.

Stephen B. Whatley's work is in collections worldwide and public collections including The Royal Collection, BBC Heritage, the London Transport Museum & Westminster Cathedral - in which his exhibition, 'Paintings From Prayer' including his painting of Our Lady of Lourdes was shown in 2013.

His commission of 30 paintings for the Tower of London is reproduced permanently throughout Tower Hill Underpass that leads from Tower Hill Station to the historic Tower.

Holy Peace: The Solemnity of The Holy Spirit. 2015
Oil on canvas
32 x 24in/81 x 61cm

Private collection, North Carolina, USA.

Website: www.stephenbwhatley.com

Visit the following link to read Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist, a feature article first  published in 2011 by Catholic Life magazine. The article is reprinted on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.

A Tribute to Pope Francis

Pope Francis by Stephen B. Whatley

A Christian Tribute by International artist Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

A new tribute to the humility of His Holiness Pope Francis, painted in prayer by expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley.

The portrait tribute will be on public display in the artist's exhibition of 25 Catholic tribute paintings 'Paintings From Prayer' which will be uniquely on show in the Chapels of St. Andrew and St. Patrick, within Westminster Cathedral, Victoria Street, London SW1, from August 8 to August 22, 2013.

Pope Francis - 2013
Oil on canvas,
27.5 x 19.5in/70 x 50cm
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

A Tribute to Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

St. Kateri by Stephn B. Whatley

Artist Stephen B. Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

Mr. Whatley is a talented artist who paints with brillant and colorful strokes of the brush which captivates the viewer. The artist resides in the UK and is recognized internationally for his Christian tributes. The following story about St. Kateri and the new painting is published on his website.

Kateri Tekakwitha (USA, 1656-1680) was canonised in Rome on October 21, 2012 as the first Native American Saint - and on that special day, expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley painted this new tribute; inspired by an array of historic images - including the earliest painting of 1690.

Nancy Wiechec of the Catholic News Service in Washington DC kindly introduced Stephen to St. Kateri's story, in August 2012, through an eloquent feature she had written - and the artist was immediately inspired, enchanted and moved; especially through his great affection for the USA and its people.

Painting iconic tributes to his Catholic faith often on special anniversaries has become a powerful feature of Stephen's work; and he was determined to honour this most humble of Saints - who was rejected by her tribe, through her devotion to her Catholic faith and fled from her native Fonda, NY home to Montreal, Canada.

Miracles of healing through the intercession of St Kateri have been experienced as recently as 2006 which finally convinced the Vatican to recognise her as a Saint; despite the fact that Native Americans have been appealing for this recognition since the 1800s.

A memorial Shrine to Kateri was established in 1938 in Fonda, NY; 200 acres of beautiful woodlands on the north bank of the Mohawk River.

In 1980, Kateri was beatified as the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha; the first stage toward Sainthood; which has finally come about - bringing joy peace and hope to Americans, Canadians and Catholics worldwide.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is known as the patron Saint of American Indians, ecology and the environment.

News of the Canonisation of Kateri Tekakwitha, via BBC News:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19996957

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
October 21, 2012 by Stephen B Whatley
Oil on canvas, 27 x 19.5in/68.6 x 50cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Feast Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Stephen B. Whatley

A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.  Revelation 12:1

The Feast Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated by the Catholic Church on August 15. This colorful abstract oil painting is by Stephen B. Whatley. This talented artist is internationally recognized for his Christian Tributes.

Our Lady of Good Counsel by Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Good Counsel

Our Lady of Good Counsel by Stephen B. Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing

By Stephen B. Whatley

A recent tribute drawing (created in 2012) to this devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus; originating from a miracle in Italy in the 15th century.

Blessings of hope, healing and restoration through the Holy Mother and Child.

The history of Our Lady of Good Counsel can be read on Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Good_Counsel

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

Mary, Mother of Peace by Stephen B Whatley

Mary, Mother of Peace by Stephen B. Whatley

Mary, Mother of Peace - 2012 by Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

A new work of art created on the first day of 2012: World Day of Peace.

In September 2011, the art and faith of Stephen B. Whatley was the subject of a major feature and interview in Catholic Life magazine.

For anyone who was unable to obtain a copy, the full feature is now available to read online at:
www.christian-miracles.com/artofstephenbwhatley.htm

Mary Mother of Peace - January 1, 2012 by Stephen B. Whatley
Charcoal on paper, 23.4 x 16.5in/ 59 x 42cm

Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist

September 2011 issue of Catholic Life

Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist 

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

With permission of Stephen B. Whatley and Catholic Life magazine, we are reprinting a feature article about this talented contemporary artist on www.Christian-Miracles.com.

With the start of 2012, this story is making its public debut for the very first time on the internet. The feature first appeared in the September 2011 issue of Catholic Life, published in England, UK. Stephen is also a resident of London.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary by Stephen B. Whatley

Painting in bold and colorful abstract strokes, this Expressionist artist is gaining international recognition with collectors, especially for his Christian Tributes.

"My work springs from my heart and soul and I give credit to God. I thank God in particular for the blessing of sight..." -Stephen B. Whatley    

Stephen B. Whatley

Baptized as an Anglican, Stephen B. Whatley was drawn to the Catholic Church by friends that he met at school and also was influenced through liturgy of the faith by attending Mass. The life of the saints have left a profound impression on Stephen while his portraits of Jesus and the Blessed Mother are a reflection of his strong Christian faith. All of this combined with prayer has led him to be a practicing Catholic.

In light of the fact that many Anglicans are joining the Catholic Church today, I believe this artists' spiritual journey of faith is one of many signs of God's plan in unifying Christianity.

Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist is a heartfelt and amazing front page feature in Catholic Life magazine written by Tony Galcius.  

This feature story can be read on www.Christian-Miracles.com at the following link: Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist

To visitors of www.Christian-Miracles.com, Stephen's artwork appears on several pages with devotional prayers, including The Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

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

Catholic Life: Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist

The Praying Artist: New Feature on the Art of Stephen B Whatley. September 2011

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.

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

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

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