On The Acheiropoieton

Recently, because of the generosity of readers, and thanks again to those who helped, I now have a real chapel, almost complete, lacking only the portable altar, some more brass candlesticks, and linens. Of course, if it is God's Will, I want to be able to be in a diocese where the bishop will let me have the Eucharist in a monstrance for adoration daily.

One of the icons which now adorns one wall is that of the Face Painted Without Hands. The acheiropoieton may have been the image of Christ left on the veil of Veronica, or an original painting by St. Luke, who also in tradition, is the painter of the first icon of Our Lady as well. These are called Hodegetria. 

Salus Populi Romani

This image above is supposedly the original painted by St. Luke of Mary in the house of St. John.

Most of you know that the name Veronica means "true icon", true image of Christ. She, in her compassion and courage, is also a true image of Christ.

This icon now in temporary abode hails from Russia. The soft, loving, and compassionate Face of Christ fills the room with peace and a quiet joy.

I could not find this exact depiction on line, but it is very similar to this one above, only lighter, airier.

Early on, I decided on icons as these are easy to move and I have collected icons since 1994 or so. Some of mine are in storage, and pray I can get someone to help me go through the few things I have there. I do have a few statues, as seen in the photo last week. but I only now have four out.

Thanks.

St. Luke, as well as being a physician and great friend of Our Lady, also was a painter. The original Face of Christ, and the Mary may be contradicted by other claims, but that he did paint their likeness is an ancient tradition in the Church.

St John Today on Purification

1 John 2:29-3:6New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition 

29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who does right has been born of him. 

3 1 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3 And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

4 Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him.

The First Shedding of The Blood of The Son of God

Christ was innocent of sin and did not have to shed blood for us. This is the first time, but, as we know, not the last.

Let us pause today and thank Jesus for coming to save us through His Blood.

Feast of The Holy Name of Jesus-January 3, 2015

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus

V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on us.
V. Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us.
R. Jesus, graciously hear us.
V. God the Father of Heaven
R. Have mercy on us.
V. God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
R. Have mercy on us.
V. God the Holy Spirit,
R. Have mercy on us.
V. Holy Trinity, one God,
R. Have mercy on us.
V. Jesus, Son of the living God, R. Have mercy on us.
Jesus, splendor of the Father, [etc.]
Jesus, brightness of eternal light.
Jesus, King of glory.
Jesus, sun of justice.
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary.
Jesus, most amiable.
Jesus, most admirable.
Jesus, the mighty God.
Jesus, Father of the world to come.
Jesus, angel of great counsel.
Jesus, most powerful.
Jesus, most patient.
Jesus, most obedient.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
Jesus, lover of chastity.
Jesus, lover of us.
Jesus, God of peace.
Jesus, author of life.
Jesus, example of virtues.
Jesus, zealous lover of souls.
Jesus, our God.
Jesus, our refuge.
Jesus, father of the poor.
Jesus, treasure of the faithful.
Jesus, good Shepherd.
Jesus, true light.
Jesus, eternal wisdom.
Jesus, infinite goodness.
Jesus, our way and our life.
Jesus, joy of Angels.
Jesus, King of the Patriarchs.
Jesus, Master of the Apostles.
Jesus, teacher of the Evangelists.
Jesus, strength of Martyrs.
Jesus, light of Confessors.
Jesus, purity of Virgins.
Jesus, crown of Saints.
V. Be merciful, R. spare us, O Jesus.
V. Be merciful, R. graciously hear us, O Jesus.
V. From all evil, R. deliver us, O Jesus.
From all sin, deliver us, O Jesus.
From Your wrath, [etc.]
From the snares of the devil.
From the spirit of fornication.
From everlasting death.
From the neglect of Your inspirations.
By the mystery of Your holy Incarnation.
By Your Nativity.
By Your Infancy.
By Your most divine Life.
By Your labors.
By Your agony and passion.
By Your cross and dereliction.
By Your sufferings.
By Your death and burial.
By Your Resurrection.
By Your Ascension.
By Your institution of the most Holy Eucharist.
By Your joys.
By Your glory.
V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. spare us, O Jesus.
V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. graciously hear us, O Jesus.
V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. have mercy on us, O Jesus.
V. Jesus, hear us.
R. Jesus, graciously hear us.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, You have said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek, and you shall find, knock, and it shall be opened to you." Grant, we beg of You, to us who ask it, the gift of Your most divine love, that we may ever love You with our whole heart, in word and deed, and never cease praising You.
Give us, O Lord, as much a lasting fear as a lasting love of Your Holy Name, for You, who live and are King for ever and ever, never fail to govern those whom You have solidly established in Your love. R. Amen.

If we had kept the Feast of the Circumcision

 
...we would have celebrated the naming of Jesus on January 1.

Tomorrow is His Name Feast in the NO.