DEVOTION

While her husband is at services, the devoted wife has prepared their dinner and awaits his return while quietly reciting her own prayers.

THE RAISING OF JAIRUS' DAUGHTER

Christ arrives at the house of Jairus, who has implored Him to come to see his dead daughter. Jesus went to see the body and then ordered everyone out of the room where the child was lying. He took her young, cold hand in His own and uttered, “Child, I say unto thee, arise.”

THE PRODIGAL SON

Jesus tells a parable about a returning son who says "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight unworthy to be called thy son." The father forgives him and they celebrate but there is envy with another son. This story is based on Psalms 51: and reminds us that God can forgive everyone and envy undermines our soul.
Luke 15

THE FIRST DEATH

Of the two children born to Adam and Eve, one, Cain became a tiller of the ground, and the other, Abel a keeper of sheep. Cain brought the fruit of the ground as an offering to God. Abel brought the first born of his flock. Because the Almighty respected Abel’s offering, and not Cain’s, Cain became outraged and slew Abel. The disobedience in the Garden of Eden has been followed by the crime of murder. Imagine the grief now with death on earth.

INTRODUCING JESUS

When Jesus was a young boy, all of the fathers in the village began their work very early in the day because of the long hours. As a consequence, it fell to the mothers of young Jewish sons to take them to the Temple every morning for many hours of reading, writing and discussion of the Torah with an assigned Temple elder. Jesus always excelled in his studies and enjoyed the lively debates between the students and elders. In the evening, custom was for the father to further discuss the Torah and provide religious guidance.

SAMPSON WRESTLES THE LION

One day, on his way to visit a friend, Samson was ambushed by an Asian lion. As the lion attacked, the power of God entered Samson and he demonstrated his superhuman strength by killing the lion with his bare hands. This was the first time he realized his own strength. During his life, he killed over 300 fox, 30 men in one fight and defeated an army of over 10,000 men.

THE PROPHET JOB

Job was a successful and wealthy man with a respected family and children. God tests Job for seven continuous years with his health, family and riches. Because of his patience and love for God, he endures all tests and is given back his health and losses. All gifts come from the Lord and with a deep abiding love and praise to God, any and all adversity can be overcome.

COME FOLLOW ME

After baptism and 40 days in the desert Jesus searches out His disciples. He calls to brothers Peter and Andrew along with brothers James and John. They are fishing on the sea of Galilee.

JESUS

The Son of God at the age of 30 begins His mission preparing for baptism and the selection of His disciples.

BELOVED SON

Contemporary version of God receiving His only begotten Son who died for our sins in order to give us life everlasting.

ENERGY AND THE PUZZLE OF LIFE

Reflects the energy and mysticism of God and His love for mankind but why?

LORD

- Please watch over me
- and keep me safe
- from the evil forces.

THE NATURE OF MAN

The nature of man is both hot and cold but knows truth and always yearns for almighty God. Sin is a slippery slope that leads us away from God.

PETERS DENIAL OF OUR LORD
Peter was terrified, heartbroken and emotionally drained during our Lord's confinement and torture. At this moment, he recognizes his third denial of Christ and is devastated.

Prayer: Father, I look at Peter and see myself how I have failed You, disappointed You and grieved You - not just once but again and again. Thank You for the costly cross of Jesus. Thank You for Your patience and love. Amen

PRESENTATION OF CHRIST TO PILATE

Christ was arrested and placed in chambers where he was taunted, questioned and then beaten. Yielding nothing, He was then turned over to Pilate for His inevitable judgment.

TRANSUBSTANTIATION

The council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring ,BR> "Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly His body that He was offering under the species of bread at the last supper, this Holy council declares again that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread and wine into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and His blood; this change is called transubstantiation." It is the ordained priest who calls upon the Holy Spirit to perform transubstantiation. The Eucharistic presence of Christ begins at the moment of the consecration and endures as long as the Eucharistic species subsists.

JACOB WRESTLING THE ANGEL

In the old testament, before Christ and in an older era, Jewish scripture writers would not speak or write directly to or of God. He was "Elohim" or referred to as an angel. In the Book of Genesis, Jacob wrestles an angel on a battlefield. The strife lasted all night with Jacob injured and unrelenting until the angel blesses him and announces Jacob will be a Prince of Israel and receive the grace of God during his life. It is a story of God wrestling Jacob to test his faith, strength and commitment to lead His people.

ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON

This is a mythical story of St. George coming to the aid of a town and its people in distress. George slays a dragon representing the devil and converts the people to Christianity. In reality, he is the patron saint of soldiers, champion of the oppressed and the patron saint of England. He was beheaded on Good Friday, 304 A.D. for standing up as a soldier and proclaiming “I am a Christian.” At that time, he was a Tribune in charge of the Royal Imperial Guard who swore allegiance to the Roman emperor.

ST.GEORGE AND THE DRAGON-2

This is a mythical story of St. George coming to the aid of a town and its people in distress. George slays a dragon representing the devil and converts the people to Christianity. In reality, he is the patron saint of soldiers, champion of the oppressed and the patron saint of England. He was beheaded on Good Friday, 304 A.D. for standing up as a soldier and proclaiming “I am a Christian.” At that time, he was a Tribune in charge of the Royal Imperial Guard who swore allegiance to the Roman emperor.

THE REMORSE OF SAUL

Saul had grown jealous of David and nurtured negative feelings toward him. Twice he tried to kill David by hurling a javelin at him. He schemed and plotted to destroy him and was unsuccessful and, yet, David did not respond and generously spared Saul’s life. All of this evil harbored against David who was obedient and loving, caused Saul to feel repulsed with himself. After all David’s care, consideration and display of forgiveness towards him was so plain. In his remorse, Saul cried, “I have sinned; I will not harm you anymore.” It was too late, David fled to another city.

ST. JEROME (347 AD - 419 AD)

Jerome was born to a rich pagan family and led a misspent youth. He was baptized in 365 and began his study of theology which led him to a true conversion. Jerome lived for years as a hermit in the Syrian deserts and is reported to have drawn a thorn from a lion's paw. The animal stayed loyally at his side for years after. Over a period of 30 years, he interpreted the Hebrew language of the Bible into the Latin or Vulgate translation which became the authorized version for the Roman Catholic Church. Jerome is the patron saint of writers.

ANGELS IN MOURNING

Archangels Gabriel and Raphael are mourning the torture and death of Jesus at the moment His soul is leaving His body.

THE MARTYDOM OF ST. PETER

After the death of Jesus, Peter traveled the Mediterranean area preaching the love and messages of Jesus. He wrote letters of faith to different struggling Christian communities, gave inspirational talks to groups of people, healing them through miracles performed in Jesus' name, converted people and baptized them. Peter received a vision from God while in Jaffa that "God shows no partiality - but in every nation, anyone who fears God and does what is right and just, is acceptable to Him." In his old age, Peter went to Rome, and was crucified, head downward, during the reign of Nero about 64 A.D.

TRANSFIGURATION

Jesus is levitating along with Moses and Elijah in the sight of his Apostles, Peter, James and John. This is a profound moment where His Divinity is disclosed. Moses represents the Law of God and Elijah is the foremost prophet. They speak to Jesus of His earthly departure which was to be accomplished at Jerusalem. A voice from heaven says, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him."

GUARDIAN ANGEL

Every individual has a guardian angel. St. Jerome said, "How great the dignity of the soul, since each one has a guardian angel commissioned to guard it." The theology goes back to pagans. In the Old Testament, God's angels are His ministers who carry out His direction especially toward men (Machabee Chapters 3, 10, 11, 15). In the New Testament ( Matthew 18.10.), "See that you do not dispense even little children as they have angels in heaven who always see the face of God."

TEMPLE SERVICES

Friday night services at an Orthodox Jewish Temple, heads are covered, men are chanting prayers and looking to the leadership of the Rabbi and the guidance from the Torah.

EXPULSION FROM THE GARDEN OF EDEN

Adam and Eve were created by God to take care of his creation, to populate the earth and to have a relationship with Him. At the direction of Satan, they disobey His order and ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Because they chose to believe Satan and disobey God, they began to experience spiritual death and soon physical death. Through this act of disobedience, sin entered the world and they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve transmitted to their descendants a human nature wounded by their first sin and hence deprived their descendants of original holiness.

THE APOCALYPSE

The Apocalypse was visually disclosed to the apostle John in a dream. Afterward, an angel was sent to explain its meaning. It is part of the Book of the Revelation. The horsemen are directed under the sovereignty of God. His enemies will be defeated and punished and His saints vindicated and rewarded followed by a new earth with no more death, crying or pain. The first rider on the white horse was ordered to conquer. The second rider was given the power to take peace from the earth and make war. The third rider holds a pair of scales and he represents famine. The forth rider is called death and Hades (home of the dead) follows closely behind.

JESUS WASHES PETER'S FEET

The washing of a person's feet was viewed as undignified; only slaves did this work. Jesus explained that unless I wash you, you will have no part with Me. After this explanation, Peter accepts the offer but simply views the act as one of love. Peter at this point is an example of religious enthusiasm but lacking depth and humility which is necessary for real spiritual life. Throughout holy week, Peter Is continually exposed for his weakness in order to build his deep faith for the future of the church.

THE DISCOVERY OF MOSES

Pharaoh Ramses of Egypt decrees the death of all Hebrew children and one is set adrift by his mother for the safety of his life. The infant floats down the Nile and is discovered by a royal princess who names him Moses. He is raised as the brother of the heir to the throne of Egypt until he is called by God to lead his true people from Egypt. Moses is considered the most important man in the Old Testament and one who had a close relationship with God.

SACRIFICING THE FIRS BORN

In the middle of the night, while the subjects of the stubborn Pharaoh were asleep, the dread angel of death smites the Egyptians. The anger of the Almighty is personified in the swiftly passing figure that now, with sword unsheathed for destruction, has Egypt in its grasp. Through the cold and deserted streets, it speeds along, never missing a single home where an Egyptian family lives, but passing by, in its merciful protection, every Israelite dwelling which has the mark of blood on the door. The awful scourge was too much for the Pharaoh who commands Moses and Aaron, “Get out from among my people, ye children of Israel!” All the Egyptians joined him in this request and said, “We are all dead men if they stay.”

JOSEPH INTERPRETS THE PHARAOH'S DREAM

The Egyptian Pharaoh asks Joseph to interpret his troubling dreams. Joseph responds the many dreams are but one dream from God. Pharaoh is to have seven years of harvest and seven years of famine, and he is to store the extra harvest for the coming famine. The Pharaoh proclaims the spirit of God is with Joseph and wisely follows the sage advice. The biblical lesson is God’s plan will overcome all obstacles.

MOSES AND THE BURNING BUSH

Moses was perhaps the most majestic figure in the Old Testament. His role was so central that Pentateuch was called the Five Books of Moses -- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The Code of Religious Laws was called the Law of Moses. No one else had the same close relationship with God when He spoke to Moses as His friend. In the picture, Moses is searching for pasture lands for his father-in-law's sheep and comes to the mountain of Horeb (or Sinai), and is awe struck by a sudden burning bush and God's voice commanding him to remove his shoes as he was on holy ground. Moses was told he had been chosen to lead brethren out of oppression and to the Promised Land.

THE CONVERSION OF ST. FRANCIS
(1181 A.D. - 1226 A.D.)
Francis of Assisi came from a wealthy family and misspent his youth accomplishing idleness. One day as he fell asleep in an open field, an angel visited him and his soul was converted. He rejected wealth and led a joyous life envied by many who joined him to establish the Franciscan Order dedicated to poverty and the welfare of animals and nature.

ST. AUGUSTINE
354 - 430 A.D.
Born in North Africa to a wealthy pagan father and Christian mother and given a Christian education. He was an intellectual pagan until his conversion in Italy at 32 years old. Augustine was a professor in Milan and Rome deeply involved with philosophy and religion and respected as the "Father of Western Christian Thought." He believed in the indwelling of God in the person and wrote Confessions of St. Augustine:

"Late have I loved you
So beauty so ancient and so new
For behold you were within me
And I outside of you.
You were with me and I was with you."

MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL-1

Angels are created by God and appear in Jewish, Christian and Muslim scripture as an intermediate between God and man. Archangels and angels minister to humanity. Michael is an Archangel who ministers judgment and mercy. The prayer to St. Michael was inspired by a vision of evil and hell by
Pope Leo III in 1884.

Prayer to St. Michael
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in our day of battle; protect us against the deceit and wickedness of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, banish into hell Satan and all of the evil spirits who roam through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL-2

Angels are created by God and appear in Jewish, Christian and Muslim scripture as an intermediate between God and man. Archangels and angels minister to humanity. Michael is an Archangel who ministers judgment and mercy. The prayer to St. Michael was inspired by a vision of evil and hell by
Pope Leo III in 1884.

Prayer to St. Michael
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in our day of battle; protect us against the deceit and wickedness of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, banish into hell Satan and all of the evil spirits who roam through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

DOUBTING THOMAS

Thomas was shocked at Jesus' death and kept to himself for several days. Afterwards, Jesus appeared to Thomas and the other disciples to erase all doubt. The rest of his life, Thomas preached the gospel and established churches in Iran, Iraq and even India where he died in 72 A.D.

ELISHA RAISING THE SON OF A SHUNAMITE

Elisha spent many years traveling throughout the Holy Land teaching and performing miracles in many small villages. He often passed through the town of Shunem and was given deep respect and hospitality from one local woman who persuaded her husband to honor this holy man in their home. Elisha was very appreciative and asked what he could give to her as thanks. She said nothing, but Elisha’s servant told him, “her husband is old and she has no sons.” Elisha called the woman and told her that in a year she would have a son. One year later she did. Later as the boy was growing up he hurt his head, fell into a coma and died. The woman went on her donkey to far away Mount Carmel to get Elisha who returned with her. He went to the boy’s bedchamber where he “put his mouth on the child’s mouth, his eyes on the child’s eyes and his hands on the child’s hands and the child became warm again.”
(2 Kings 4:33)

ABRAHAM AND HIS SON ISAAC

God tested Abraham’s faith by commanding him to go up in the mountains and kill his only son Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice. Abraham did not question this command. He really believed his son would somehow live…. after all God had promised him that he would have many descendents. Abraham trusted that God would resolve the contradiction of death and future descendents with His love. An angel of God stopped Abraham from the sacrifice and God rewarded Abraham with “as many descendents as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.” (Gen. 22:17)

JESUS IS TEMPTED BY SATAN

After He was baptized, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tested. After fasting for 40 days, He became hungry, and that is when Satan appeared to tempt Him with great offerings which He refused. “Man does not live by bread alone, but by everything that proceeds from the Lord.” This was necessary so that He could become a merciful High Priest. Fasting more than any other disciple reveals the issues that control us so we can confront them with the help of our faith.

JESUS IMPRISONED

Imagine the severe torture and brutality Christ endured while in prison awaiting His destiny. He persevered terrible pain for us and our sins knowing more was to come with His crucifixion. He was about love, repentance, forgiveness and He had to prove it with the suffering.
His death and resurrection proved He was the Messiah and there is no death as we are but spiritual beings in the form of a body created by God.

THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA

When a faithful Samaritan women came to draw water from a well, Jesus was there and asked her for a drink. The woman was surprised because she was viewed as a lowly Samaritan, but she was happy to provide a fellow thirsty traveler with a refreshing drink. In the course of their discussion Jesus told her, “Every person who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give will become a spring of water flowing inside him. It will give him eternal life.”
(Luke 4:13,14)

THE BUILDING THE ARK

In this painting, Noah is seen busy in the construction of the ark, assiduously helped in the moving of the heavy timber by his three stalwart sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth and their wives. He was to build the ark a certain length, width and height with rooms and windows. He was told by God to take his wife, and their sons with their wives and two of every living creature and food for them all - - for God was disappointed how evil mankind had become and planned to destroy them with a great flood.

MARY - MOTHER OF JESUS

Mary, daughter of Joachim and Ann, wife of Joseph and most importantly the "Mother of Jesus" through the Immaculate Conception. From His cross, Jesus gave her to His church as a mother for all ages. Later as she was dying, the Lord stretched out His hands to receive her holy soul and three days later, angels took her body to heaven.

THE GOOD NEWS

“And there were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock when the angel of the Lord came upon them, and said, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:8-10) It was the announcement of the birth of Christ Jesus. Upon hearing this news, they hurried to Bethlehem where they found the Holy Child with his parents, and thus became the first witnesses to the advent of Christ on the earth. This magnificent honor was bestowed on them first, common born shepherds, instead of royalty or nobles.

THE DEATH OF JESUS

And when the sixth hour came, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour of His crucifixion when Jesus cried out "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me" and expires.

Mark 15: 33--34

TOUCHING JESUS' ROBE

Christ is on His way, in company with His disciples, to the house of Jairus, whose daughter had died, when, among the people pressing around Him, is a timid woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with a disease. For she said within herself, “if I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole.” But Jesus turned about, and when He saw her, He said, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.”

Matthew 9:21-22

THE ANGEL OF DEATH

And then at last the signal of my coming will appear in the heavens and there will be deep mourning. And I shall send forth my angels with the sound of a mighty trumpet blast and they shall gather my chosen ones from the farthest ends of the earth. Be prepared for you do not know what day the Lord is coming.
Matthew 2

CONVERSION OF PAUL

Paul was a Pharisee who violently persecuted the followers of Jesus after His death. He was not one of the twelve apostles but a convert as a result of a light from heaven knocking him off his horse and blinding him. A voice said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. I have appeared to you to anoint you as a servant and witness to Me, and I will now rescue you from the persecution so that you may open their eyes to the forgiveness of sin and the salvation of God.” Acts of Apostles 26: 12-18

MOSES AT THE BATTLE OF AMALEK

Moses' two brothers, Aaron and Hur are holding up his arms in prayer during battle with the Amalekites. Exodus 17:12 relates: "But Moses' hands were heavy and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." Joshua led the successful battle.

ELIJAH

In the Old Testament, ninth century B.C., Elijah was a Hebrew prophet who defeated the prophets of Baal. He was a hermit who lived in the wilderness, close to God and his nature, where he was often fed by animals and angels. Elijah performed many miracles including restoring a child back to life. His famous disciple was Elisha who asked Elijah for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Afterwards, a chariot of horses consumed by flames took Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind. Jews believe he is not dead and will reappear to usher in the Messiah and the final redemption of mankind.

JESUS, MARY and ANGELS

Mary embraces her dead son for the last time as she now must prepare His body for burial.

JUDAS

When Judas learns that the Savior has been condemned to death, he regrets what he has done, is seized with remorse and attempts to unsuccessfully return the money he received for his wicked deed. Judas was a self centered materialist, and sadly after three years of being a disciple with our Lord, he was not changed. He was constantly seeking power, position and money. Although he had remorse, Judas commits suicide and without commitment to our Lord he receives the punishment of hell.

THE KING OF KINGS

The Lord God was always King of Israel, but the elders wanted an earthly representative to judge and reign over them. God instructed Samuel the prophet to anoint a man named Saul to be the first King over Israel. This marks the beginning of the reign of a king in the nation of Israel. David was the next king after Saul proved disobedient to God. David was a good and just king. So, God promised him a descendent of his would reign over Israel forever. The last would be King of Kings and was prophesied to be born in Bethlehem and come to Jerusalem on an ass. Jesus on the throne is the “King of Kings.”
(2 Samuel: 12-17)

MOSES' OFFERING

Sacrifices and burnt offerings symbolized man’s dedication to God by virtue of the offering and the symbol of smoke ascending unto God. Moses was instructed by God as to the law of burnt offerings and he taught all of these detailed instructions to the people so they could behave according to God’s will and make a proper sacrifice to Him.
(Leviticus I: 11-9)

THE ANNUNCIATION

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary occurred in Nazareth as she was preparing to be married to Joseph. An Angel of the Lord greeted her saying, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.” Mary was frightened, but the angel comforted her explaining, “Fear not, Mary for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shall conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shall call him Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

THE PASSOVER

In the middle of the night, while the subjects of the stubborn Pharaoh were asleep, the dread angel of death smites the Egyptians. The anger of the Almighty is personified in the swiftly passing figure that now, with sword unsheathed for destruction, has Egypt in its grasp. Through the cold and deserted streets, it speeds along, never missing a single home where an Egyptian family lives, but passing by, in its merciful protection, every Israelite dwelling which has the mark of blood on the door. The awful scourge was too much for the Pharaoh who commands Moses and Aaron, “Get out from among my people, ye children of Israel!” All the Egyptians joined him in this request and said, “We are all dead men if they stay.”

THE FLIGHT FROM EGYPT

God helped Moses and his brother Aaron lead the Jews out of Egypt and slavery. They quickly crossed the Red Sea and into the Desert of Shur. They passed through the villages of Marah and Elim, but stopped at the Desert of Sin. They were tired and starving and did not want to go on. But, God miraculously provided food and water and so the Israelites continued to journey from place to place in the desert as He commanded them for forty years. (Exodus 17-19) At Mount Sinai, one area where they camped, Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy as revealed to him by God. When they reached the Euphrates river, Moses told them, God would give them their Promised Land.

THE RICH MAN

A very rich man came to Jesus explaining that he dutifully obeyed the Commandments, but wanted to know what else he could do to ensure everlasting life. Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, then go and sell all the things you own. Give the money to the poor. If you do this you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me!” But when the man heard this, he became very sad at his possible loss and went away. Then Jesus said to his followers, “I tell you the truth. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
(Matthew 19:30)

MARY AND JOHN MOURNING THE DEATH OF JESUS

Mary and John are mourning Jesus’ death. John is the apostle that Jesus dearly loved because of his devotion and humility. He was very kind and gentle and when Jesus was dying on the cross, He told John to look after Mary.

MOTHER TERESA
1910 - 1997
Born in Macedonia, Agnes Bojaxhiu felt the calling of the Lord and at eighteen joined a convent in India where she taught in a high school. The suffering and poverty that she glimpsed outside the convent walls made a deep impression on her. She was given permission to work outside the convent. And by 1950 she was granted permission to start her own order, “The Missionaries of Charity,” whose primary task was to love and care for those persons in dire need. The Society of Missionaries has spread throughout the world helping countless millions in the face of AIDS, epidemics, famines and other catastrophes. She placed a priority on human dignity and the value of all lives. Mother Teresa. received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for a life spent in service of others.

POPE JOHN PAUL II
1920-2005
Karol Joseph Wojtyla was born in Poland to a working class family. He attended university in Krakow where he developed a talent for languages, eventually mastering over twelve. As a pope this skill endeared him to people around the globe who felt closer to him as he spoke in their native tongue. When he was elected to be Pope in 1978 he was the first non-Italian Pope in 456 years and only 58 years old. He was considered one of the most traveled and influential people of the twentieth century. He was instrumental in ending communism throughout Europe, as well as vastly improving relations between the Catholic Chinch and other religions. He is so beloved that Catholics often refer to him as John Paul The Great.

MOSES AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Moses delivers the Ten Commandments -- a list of moral imperatives spoken by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Decalogue is engraved in stone by God to signify a covenant relationship with the nation of Israel and its' Jewish people. It is delivered to them after their successful exodus from Egypt. The Talmud (Shabbat l04a) explains the miracle of the printing that went through the entire stone with the center of the letter "O" floating in space.

JESUS AND MARY MAGDALENE

Mary Magdalene was healed of seven devils and thereafter followed Christ. She was at the foot of Christ's cross and was present when Christ was placed in the tomb and was the first recorded eyewitness of His resurrection. She met the risen Lord who gave her a message to the disciples "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and Your God." The Picture represents the act of love, forgiveness and atonement.

JESUS CURES THE BLIND MAN

Jesus heals the blind man and says, "Go in peace. Your faith saved you." Your faith, that is, your consent to God calling you and transforming you. Transformation in Christ is the ultimate healing.

PREPARATION OF THE BODY

Joseph of Arimathea, a councilor of high rank who was himself looking for the Kingdom of God, assumes over the body of Christ with the permission of Pilate. Joseph and other men wrap Jesus in a linen cloth and prepare the body for entombment.

Mark 15: 43 -- 46

THE WAY OF THE CROSS

The scene is done in an icon style of painting reflecting the rising of the crucified Jesus on His way to heaven with the vision of Jerusalem in the background. If you follow the way of the cross, angels will comfort you along the difficult but rewarding path to heaven.

JESUS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE

It was in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus went off to pray after the last supper. He knew His imminent fate and was consumed in prayer to His Father. In this picture, He is immersed in nervous prayer and is fully aware He does have the power to call upon Archangel Michael to defend Him or Gabriel to comfort and strengthen Him. He gave us His tremendous love of mankind with the acceptance of great torture for forgiveness of our sins.

THE SHADOW IN HIS LIFE

Eternally begotten of the Father to show us the way of the cross and eternal salvation. His shadow foretells the future.

THE SEVEN GRACES

The Seven Graces are given by God to mankind through the Holy Spirit. They are the qualities of the Messiah necessary for a meaningful life. Piety, for example is compassion for others and yourself in order to achieve help throughout life. It leads to a more fulfilling existence. While fear is the consequence of losing and living without good and love. Wisdom enables man to use intellectual powers to understand love and remember God above everything.

Isaiah Chapter 11

THE SEVEN GRACES - 2

The Seven Graces are given by God to mankind through the Holy Spirit. They are the qualities of the Messiah necessary for a meaningful life. Piety, for example is compassion for others and yourself in order to achieve help throughout life. It leads to a more fulfilling existence. While fear is the consequence of losing and living without good and love. Wisdom enables man to use intellectual powers to understand love and remember God above everything.

Isaiah Chapter 11

HEAVEN

Heaven must be full of angels and good people who are pure and full of love for God.

THE RESURRECTION

Jesus is alive and survives death to prove He is the Son of God. He has died to free us of our sins and show us the way of the cross to heaven.

THE ASCENSION OF MARY

When Her time came to leave this realm, the people of Her colony held a small ceremony and at Mary's request, they placed Her body in a tomb. Three days later when they opened the tomb, She was gone, replaced by white roses, one for each person of the colony.

SUPPER AT EMMAUS

After His resurrection, Christ meets and walks along the road with His disciples who do not recognize Him. They ask Him to dinner in the village of Emmaus. Then as they began to eat He took bread and blessed it and gave it to them. It was exactly as He had done at the Last Supper, only a few nights previously. Their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, but He instantly vanished from their sight.

WHO IS TO BLAME

Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator, washes his hands as to the fate of Jesus. There were many participants in the crucifixion including the priests of the Sanhedrin who made false accusations and Judas Iscariot, who identifies Jesus to the Roman soldiers. Herod Antipas first refused to judge the case. There was the future life of the murderer Barrabas and there was the forewarned dream of Pontius’ wife. The Roman soldiers unmercifully scourged Jesus. The mob voiced their decision to save Barrabas and condemned Jesus. Lest we not forget God did not halt the execution and Jesus foresaw his death and resurrection. All of these parties who are blamed for Jesus’ death are irrelevant; their names are no longer remembered. The focus must always be on His resurrection which is the most important event in our history.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

“A young man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves who stripped him of his clothing and belongings, beat him and left him half dead. Later, two men passed by and saw his unfortunate condition, avoided him and continued along their way. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed came upon the fallen man and had great compassion on him.” He gave the injured man water, bandaged his wounds and placed him on his donkey and took him to an inn where he paid the innkeeper to look after the man. (Luke 10: 30-33) Jesus used this story to teach his followers what it meant to be a neighbor to all fellow human beings regardless of their family, region or religion.

CHRIST CALLING THE APOSTLES JAMES AND JOHN

Christ, in company with Peter and Andrew, was on the shore of the sea of Galilee, and saw a boat with James, John, a helper and Zebedee their father. They had just come in from fishing and were washing and mending their nets. He turned to them and engaged in a long personal conversation. After awhile the two sons of Zebedee became aware of His Being and immediately left to become His disciples.

GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL

Gabriel is widely acknowledged as God’s Ambassador, gifted with the dignity, graciousness, knowledge and discretion required of this honor. His greatest celestial mission was at the Annunciation when he said to Mary, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed are thou among women.” Gabriel fulfilled his angelic mission many times over offering strength, comfort and hope to sinners in despair and leading them to repent. He is also looked upon as the angel who, at God’s command, tenderly comforted Jesus on the cross during His greatest agony. God employed St. Gabriel many times on His behalf proving him deserving of his beautiful name which means, “Strength of God”

MARY, JOSEPH AND JESUS FLEE BETHLEHEM

When the wise men of the land were led to Bethlehem by the star of the east to pay homage to Jesus, the King of the Jews, the wicked King Herod heard of this and was greatly disturbed. He sent spies to find out exactly where Jesus was, “so that I, too may go and worship him.” (Matthew 2:23) But St. Gabriel appeared to Joseph in a dream warning him that Herod was really going to kill Jesus and they must flee at once to Egypt. Herod was outraged that he had been outwitted and ordered all boys under two years old, born in Bethlehem and its vicinity to be killed. But by then Joseph, Mary and Jesus were already safely on their journey to Egypt.

SODOM AND GOMORRAH DESTROYED

Two angels came to Sodom when Lot was guarding the city walls. He offered them hospitality and protection in his owns home from wickedness and wanton sin of the city. The angels instructed Lot to get his wife, daughters and any other loved ones and flee from the doomed city before dawn because, “The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that He sent us to destroy it.” (Gen.19:4) Lot tried to save others, but they all laughed and carried on with their sinful carousing. The angels warned them to hurry and not look back, for God had shown them mercy. But, Lot’s wife did look back and was turned to a pillar of salt for her hesitant disobedience and misplaced nostalgia for an evil place.

FLEEING SODOM AND GOMORRAH

Two angels came to Sodom when Lot was guarding the city walls. He offered them hospitality and protection in his owns home from wickedness and wanton sin of the city. The angels instructed Lot to get his wife, daughters and any other loved ones and flee from the doomed city before dawn because, “The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that He sent us to destroy it.” (Gen.19:4) Lot tried to save others, but they all laughed and carried on with their sinful carousing. The angels warned them to hurry and not look back, for God had shown them mercy. But, Lot’s wife did look back and was turned to a pillar of salt for her hesitant disobedience and misplaced nostalgia for an evil place.

BAPTISM OF CHRIST

Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John, His cousin. He was 30 years old and ready for His Ministry as the Son of God. After baptism, Jesus leaves for the wilderness for 40 days of prayer and fasting.

Matthew 3 - 4

BAPTISM OF CHRIST-2

Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John, His cousin. He was 30 years old and ready for His Ministry as the Son of God. After baptism, Jesus leaves for the wilderness for 40 days of prayer and fasting.

Matthew 3 - 4

THE GIFT OF STRENGTH TO SAMSON

An angel of God blesses Samson with superhuman strength to be used to deliver Israel from the Philistines, who were occupying the land and fighting with the Israelites. But this gift of strength was conditional on Samson’s vow of faithful, righteous and submissive conduct before God. His hair was a symbol of his strength and his commitment to God. The hair was never to be cut or the vow would be broken.

JESUS REALIZES HIS DIVINITY

Jesus, Son of God, the second part of the Holy Trinity and God incarnate… was born without sin of the Virgin Mother Mary. He must have realized His divinity at an early age… probably around six or seven… when He was blessed with the knowledge of His divinity. Imagine the incredulous feeling of young Jesus.