Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Shimon Peres gives Pope Frances personal invitation to visit Jerusalem



News excerpt from RomeReports.com

A month and a half after his election as Pope, Francis welcomed the president of Israel Shimon Peres at the Vatican. Soon after their greeting, Peres asked the Pope to pray for his country.

As camera flashes went off, Peres joked with the Pope that now those sounds of camera shutters follow them everywhere. 

“It is part of our life now.”

They then met in private for about half an hour, using an interpreter to communicate. According to the Vatican press release, the Pope and the president spoke about the current political and social situation in the Middle East, peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and the importance of the city of Jerusalem. The Pope also expressed his concern for the conflict in Syria.

Pope Francis and Shimon Peres also highlighted the improvements in relations between Israel and the Holy See, since the creation of a bilateral permanent working commission 14 years ago.

Peres is on a three day tour to Italy, and will also meet with the Italian president and the new government. He will also receive the Medal of Honor for Peace at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Peres told the Pope he would pray for him there.

The Israeli president gave the Pope a Bible of Jerusalem with black leather binding, in Hebrew and English.

“It is the Holy Bible with a quotation.”

“Thank you very much.


In the first pages of the Bible, Shimon Peres wrote verses from the Book of Kings: “To His Holiness, Pope Francis, I hope you will prosper in everything that you do and wherever you go.”

“From the Book of Kings. With deep esteem. Signed by Shimon Peres, president of Israel. April 2013.”

The Pope gave the president a small white case with three commemorative medals of his pontificate.

Before saying goodbye, Peres invited the Pope to visit Israel.

“I am waiting for you in Jerusalem, and not just me, but all the people from Israel.”

Shimon Peres is the eight president that has met in person with Pope Francis at the Vatican, since his election on March 13.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Stephen B. Whatley Exhibits 'Paintings from Prayer' in London Show

St. James by Stephen B. Whatley

Saint James by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr.com

Catholic Life has published a feature story on Stephen B. Whatley in the April 2013 issue regarding his beautiful 'Paintings from Prayer' now on exhibition and available for purchase at St. James Church in London. The show runs from April 17 to May 19, 2013.

The art of Stephen B. Whatley is also featured in the September 2011 issue of Catholic Life magazine. His inspiring story of being Babtized as an Anglican and then later being confirmed in the Catholic Church is an amazing reflection of his spiritual journey of faith. The article is reprinted on the following link: Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist.  ~Loci B. Lenar


'Paintings from Prayer' Exhibition - St. James Church, London

The photos and following news item regarding the exhibition is reprinted from the website of Stephen B. Whatley:

Now showing in central London is Stephen B. Whatley's 'Paintings from Prayer' exhibition at The Rectory, St. James's Church, Spanish Place, 22 George Street, London W1 (17 April - 19 May 2013).

The most recent of the artist's Catholic tribute paintings, Saint James - or James The Greater, one of the twelve apostles is on exhibit at the show.

A catalyst for the inspiration was the Statue of Saint James that stands high in St James's Church, Spanish Place. As a pilgrim who preached the Gospel in Spain, he is depicted with a staff and water bottle, palm fronds and a sword, symbols of his martyrdom ; while the scallop shell upon his hat is a recognized symbol of pilgrims in the Holy Land, as the shells are bountiful on the shores of Palestine.

Stephen was confirmed a Roman Catholic on this day April 23rd, in 2011, at St James's Church, Spanish Place; and his confirmation name is James.

April 2013 Catholic Life Magazine

For further information on where and when to see the exhibition in which this new painting is featured, please see the press release: Paintings from Prayer


St. James
Painted in 2013
Oil on canvas
35 x 24in/90 x 60cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com