Association Of Catholic Bloggers

I usually simply pray in my own words from my heart. However, the Catholic Church has a treasure trove of traditional written prayers which were never composed to rattle off by rote but written from the heart to inspire our hearts, especially when we are in a dry place when our own words have shrivelled. I have gathered a few traditional Advent prayers to ignite a spark of prayer in all of us., connecting us to all those who have gone before us and all those who walk with us in the Mystical Body of Christ. continue

Modern artist cast a new light on the Annunciation and reach a new generation who are perhaps turned off by some sentimental, pious art. There are so many moments to capture her initial shock, fear, sense of awe and wonder, questions, acceptance and final glorious infilling by the Holy Spirit.Each artist reflects a different facet of truth with the Spirit of God shining through each painting in a myriad of different hues and tones and nuances. see more modern artists

In the apoc ryphal Infancy Narrative of James, Mary’s parents,  Joachim and Anne,  had been childless but received a heavenly message- they would have a child. In thanksgiving for the gift of their daughter, they brought her, when still a child, to the Temple in Jerusalem to consecrate her to God. Tradition held that she was to remain there to be educated in preparation for her role as Mother of God. most of the paintings capture a sense of Mary’s purity, of course, but also a combination of youth, vulnerability and her core strength at the all at the same time. continue

A selection of the some of the best art and icons capturing the humility, dignity, and nobility of Mary- The Queenship of Mary. continue

“Therefore the Virgin is immortal to this day, seeing that he who had dwelt in her transported her to the regions of her assumption”  (Timothy of Jerusalem Homily on Simeon and Anna ; 400 AD). continue

Modern artists are still fascinated by Mary and her encounter with the angel Gabriel. There are so many moments to capture her initial shock, fear, sense of awe and wonder, questions, acceptance and final glorious infilling by the Holy Spirit. Each artist reflects a different facet of truth with the Spirit of God shining through each painting in a myriad of different hues and tones and nuances. continue

Michael O'Brien The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God is a feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary which celebrates her motherhood as the mother of Jesus Christ, Lord, Son of God. It is celebrated on 1 January, the Octave (8th) day of Christmastide. continue

There are so many wonderful feast days in December that help kids deal with the long, waiting period of Advent. December 12 is the feast of  La Virgen de Guadalupe , Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is a marvelous story to tell children.  In 1521 – Our Blessed Mother appeared to San Juan Diego on the Hill of Tepeyac, near Mexico City. So much of  Mexican folk art  depicting Our Lady of Guadalupe is vibrant, colourful, and beautiful in its simplicity. continue reading

Christians in the first centuries of the Church believed in the Immaculate Conception of Mary. In fact, all Christians, until 500 years ago, up until and including Martin Luther, believed in the Immaculate Conception. Luther was the founder of Protestant Reformation. continue reading

Her birth is a cause for great joy as it is considered the “dawn of our salvation” Pope Paul VI, Marialis Cultus, 1972. to see more images and quotes

I love this painting of Mary as the Protectress of the Roman People, created in the 5th century. A fascinating carving in stone is thought to be from the 3rd century and features the three Magi bringing gifts to the Christ Child on Mary’s lap. continue

Near the cross of Jesus, there stood his mother. Jn 19:15.Most mother’s identify with their children, feeling joy and pain in their hearts as they watch their kids. Mary was and in fact still is in sync with her son, in deep communion with him, offering  us a pathway through her heart to the heart of Christ. Let’s celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of  Sorrow with great art. continue reading

A selection of the best art and icons capturing the humility, dignity and nobility of Mary, Queen of Mary. continue

The early Christians were very careful to keep the relics of saints and martyrs, even if it involved great risk (like trying to retrieve the remains of those who were eaten by lions). They did this out of great reverence for the body as a member of Christ and temple of the Holy Spirit  (see I Corinthians 6:15, 19). That first Christian believed in Mary’s Assumption is proven in the lack of her relics, empty tombs, the existence  of Transitus Mariae stories, and quotes from early Christians.    continue

We are accustom to beautiful images of Mary picturing her as a white, European. However, she was from the Middle East and most likely looked Middle Eastern. Artist’s models and concepts of beauty are influenced by their culture.  Now artists are emerging who are painting Mary as if she was born in their country because they can relate and connect better to the living Mary when their prayer is triggered by an image they are familiar with.  The results are stunning, opening our hearts and souls to different qualities and graces of Mary. continue reading