catholic

My very first complete Watercolor painting: The Holy Spirit! in humanoid form instead of dove form. Of course God is love so I have his heart and the 3 flames are 3 because the Trinity. The Holy Spirit can take any form He wants and so I've always thought he also has like a spiritual humanoid form, I mean he can't just always be in dove form. :P I tried watercoloring in the past but never seriously, I don't even remember what I tried but I never finished anything, I just remember how frustrating the coloring process was and had many bleed throughs. That's why I've always prefered Acrylic. This time I gave it a try though after watching some videos with tips n tricks. I painted it on some small postcard sized watercolor paper. I'll probably make one with all the gifts and fruits in the future but I gotta finish my rosary mysteries, only 4 more to go! #Catholic, #Christian, #HolySpirit, #HolyGhost, #Watercolor, #Paint,

The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection! While Jesus' body was entombed he descended into the Underworld in order to free and bring to heaven all the righteous that died before Him. Jesus is victorious over death, Robed in Heavenly white, He is surrounded by a mandorla of star-studded light, representing the Glory of God. Christ is shown dramatically pulling Adam, the first man, and Eve from the tomb. Jesus does the work, that is why He is pulling Adam from the tomb by the wrist, and not the hand. Surrounding him are Holy Men and Women of the Old testament and who died before. St. Joseph is also there almost saying to the others "That's my boy! :)" Haha. John the Baptist and King David are present. On the other side we have little Abel next to Eve, Judith with her sword, Esther in royal purple and Ruth. I'd like to include even more but I'll need a much bigger piece of paper or canvas. :P This Icon is also called the "Harrowing of Hades" “Harrow” comes from the Old English word used to describe the ploughing of a field with a cultivator which is dragged roughly over the ground, churning it up. In the icon, Christ is shown with the instrument of His death plunged deep into Hades. Beneath Christ’s feet – which still carry the marks of His crucifixion – lay the gates of Hades, smashed wide open in the shape of the Cross. Christ has trampled death by death. Within the dark underworld are scattered broken chains and locks; Hades is not destroyed – it is still there – but its power to bind people is gone. There are no chains, no locked doors. Christ is always there to lift us from the darkness of this world. Fiat #Easter, #Resurrection, #Jesus, #Catholic, #Christian, #Rosary, #Glorious, #Freedom, #Salvation, #Adam, #Eve, #Abel, #Joseph, #David, #John, #Ruth, #Judith, #Esther, #Sketch, #DigitalArt, #Holy, #Hades, #Underworld, #Abraham's Bosom, #Death, #Life, #Victory,

Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The crucifixion. I made the water and blood appear sorta as when Jesus appeared in the Divine Mercy devotion. Indeed a great act of mercy, his head is leaning towards the Good Thief, St. Dismas, to show his mecy towards him, the other thief refused (Gesmas). We also have St. John the Apostle, St. Mary Magdeline, Our Blessed Mother and St. Longinus, the roman soldier who pierced Jesus' heart with the Holy Lance. St. Longinus was healed spiritually the water and blood that poured forth by this act and believed, proclaiming Jesus to truly be the Son of God. "And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' ...It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!' And having said this he breathed his last" (Lk 23:33-46). "'Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures' (1 Cor 15:3)" (CCC, 619). Our Father, 10 Hail Marys (contemplating the mystery), Glory be to the Father. #Jesus, #Christian, #Catholic, #Rosary, #Sorrowful, #Sorrow, #Crucifixion, #John, #Mary, #Dismas, #Longinus, #Sketch, #DigitalArt,

Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The carrying of the cross. So I basically have 5 stations of the cross combined into one. The carrying of the cross (2nd station), When he sees our Blessed Mother (4), Simon of Cyrene forced to help (5), St. Veronica wipes his face (6), he meets the women (8). In between these are the 3 times he fell, the first station of his condemation and then the striping before the final mystery of the Rosary. "And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull)" (Mk 15:21-22). "By accepting in his human will that the Father's will be done, he accepts his death as redemptive, for 'he himself bore our sins in his body on the tree' (1 Pt 2:24)" (CCC, 612). Our Father, 10 Hail Marys (contemplating the mystery), Glory be to the Father.

The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The crowning with thorns. "Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the praetorium, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe upon him, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on his head, and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him they mocked him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!"' (Mt 27:27-29). "It is love 'to the end' (Jn 13:1 ) that confers on Christ's sacrifice its value as redemption and reparation, as atonement and satisfaction. He knew and loved us all when he offered his life" (CCC, 616). Our Father, 10 Hail Marys (contemplating the mystery), Glory be to the Father. #Jesus, #Sorrow, #Christian, #Catholic, #Rosary, #Prayer, #DigitalArt, #sketch, #Mystery

The 2nd Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar. This was kinda painful to draw. The reality of Man, created originally so innocent, corrupted to the point of hurting a man God. Lord have mercy. 1. Jesus is taken before the High Priest where He is falsely accused, buffeted and insulted. 2. The Jewish leaders take Jesus before Pilate, for only he can impose the death penalty. 3. The robber, Barabbas, is preferred to Jesus. 4. Pilate can “find no cause in Him”, yet to appease the Jews, he orders Jesus to be scourged. 5. The scourge is made of leather thongs to which are attached small sharp bones. 6. Jesus is bound to a pillar and cruelly scourged until His whole body is covered with deep wounds. 7. The Lamb of God offers His suffering for the sins of mankind. 8. Jesus suffers so much in His sacred flesh to satisfy, especially, for sins of the flesh. 9. The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: “He was wounded for our iniquities, He was bruised for our sins.” 10. Father, by the merits of Jesus in this painful scourging, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Spiritual Fruit: Purity

First Sorrowful Mystery: The agony in the Garden. The Angel is dressed in black because it is fortelling his death and the chalice is like a bitter black liquid. Jesus suffered such agony in the Garden of Gethsenami that it would have been enough to save us all but he wanted to give an abundance of graces and spiritual gifts for our salvation by suffering for us all possible pains we could experience. So that even pain can bear fruit in our lives. "Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, 'Sit here, while I go yonder and pray.' And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.' And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will"' (Mt 26:36-39). "Such a battle and such a victory become possible only through prayer. It is by his prayer that Jesus vanquishes the Tempter, both at the outset of his public mission and in the ultimate struggle of his agony" (CCC, 2849). Our Father, 10 Hail Marys (contemplating the mystery), Glory be to the Father.

Jesus gives the great gift of Himself in the 5th and last Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist. This is the Sacrament in which in chapter 6 of the Gospel says: "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you" to this statement in John 6:66 "After this many of his disciples went back; and walked no more with him". Indeed it is a hard saying to accept but Jesus was firm "67: Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you also wish to go away?' 68: Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; 69: and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." Let us accept Jesus' great gift in the one and only Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and if we can't make it for whatever reason let us pray the Holy Spirit to dwell more fully in our hearts and enkindle our Souls in the Love and the Peace of God. Peace be with you all. #Jesus, #gospel, #rosary, #catholic, #christian, #eucharist

And here it is: The Transfiguration! in color ^_^ Elijah and Moses with Jesus and the Apostles from left to right: James the Greater, John and Peter. I have his stigmata in gold because we hadn't recieved the wounds yet but this vision is a big revelation and confirmation of His divinity and mission so I put some signs there, but the apostles would not yet understand, but after they would. Matthew 17: 1-9 [1] And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: [2] And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow. [3] And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him. [4] And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. [5] And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him. [6] And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face, and were very much afraid. [7] And Jesus came and touched them: and said to them, Arise, and fear not. [8] And they lifting up their eyes saw no one but only Jesus. [9] And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying: Tell the vision to no man, till the Son of man be risen from the dead.

The 3rd Luminous Mystery, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus taught many beautiful teachings about the Kingdom of God and how to live a life of virtue and the rewards of such a life. He wants us to fully enter into the Divine Will because he loves us so much and wants to be powerfully present in our lives in order to heal and strengthen us. He loves us and in this mystery we meditate upon his enrapturing and beautiful Word, which is Himself. He gives us His word because he wants to give us Himself. God is too awesome! ^_^ Fiat

Ok made the 2nd Mystery of the Mysteries of Light: The Wedding of Cana. Also an important revelation and the prime miracle that started Jesus' "hour". I definately spent much more time on the Baptism because of it's important icon significance but I found some good lil inspiration for this too, a bit more simple but nice. ^_^ Oh and if you don't know the story: John Chapter 2 1 And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine. 4 And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye. 6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece. 7 Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it. 9 And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom, 10 And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him

And here it is! The Theophany (Manifestation of the Holy Trinity on earth for our Salvation), The 1st Luminious Mystery of Light: The Baptism of Jesus! Here's some of the symbolism explained: John the Baptist gestures up and down indicating the Divinity and Humanity of Christ. Christ blesses John. Christ identifies himself with our purification and with mankind. Voice of Father and Spirit reveal Trinity. Dove reminds us of Noah's flood, Christ Baptism frees us from the flood of sin. Angels are submissive and glorify God as we should. Ax cuts down the fruitless "The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire" (Matthew 3:10). Christ blesses water to become water of renewal. Jordan river, the fleeing man in the water, turns back (Psalm 113), and the seas are represented by the drake. Hope ya'll enjoy! ^_^

The Fifth and final Joyful Mystery: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple. Young Jesus is so cool, can you just immagine all the wisdom and grace pouring out of him at Nazareth? "That kid is amazing!" the temple elders and priests probably said but they had no idea how amazing he actually is, because he's God! Super power packed! lol Luke Chapter 2: 40-52 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him. 41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch, 42 And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, 43 And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. 44 And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. 45 And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. 48 And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business? 50 And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.

The 4th Joyful Mystery, the Presentation of Jesus. I put Joseph up front because he had a very important part not only in the Circumsision of Jesus after 8 days but also the Presentation of Jesus after 40 days. In fact the Fathers are the ones who offer the sacrifice in private (with other jewish priests etc.) in order to "Redeem" the child. Hence one of Saint Joseph's titles: "The Redeemer of the Redeemer". He also has the unique title of the "Savior of the Savior" because in the flight to Egypt after this event Joseph saved Jesus from the hands of Herod. Oh and I got to see the tomb of Saint Simeon! It's in Zadok and we got to see his body, he still had flesh but his beard had fallen out (poor guy, lol). He was a very holy man, I could feel the graces there. ^_^ St. Simeon and St. Anna the Prophetess, pray for us! Luke 2: 22-39 22 And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him (Jesus) to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: 23 As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: 24 And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons: 25 And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. 26 And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: 29 Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; 30 Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: 32 A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; 35 And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed. 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. 37 And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. 38 Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed o the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. 39 And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth

It's Christmas in July! The Third Joyful mystery: The Nativity, the Birth of Jesus. Jesus has his iconic Halo now and you can see the divine graces pouring out in the classic Iconic way, some deep theology drawn here. ^_^ Of course Saint Joseph is in deep contemplation, Mary is tucking Jesus in and even the animals are in wonder. :) Holy Family, pray for us.

The Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary by the Archangel Gabriel. This is also considered the Incarnation of Jesus. Those letters "ICXC" are an abbreviation of the Greek name of "Jesus Christ" ("IHCOYC XPICTOC"), hence she is conceiving Jesus by the Holy Spirit and power of the Most High. ^_^ That's why the light is going towards her. Her arms are crossed in humility as if she was saying "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word". Gabriel the Archangel and Blessed Mama Mary, pray for us! O:)

Saint John the Evangelist SUPERCHARGED!!! lol. I decided to digitaly colorize him so he fits in with the other Evangelists. ^_^ Yeah and the Eagle because of his High Christology and focus on the Divinity of Christ. He's flying high in the Fiat now! :)

And Finally it's Saint Matthew giving a high-five to his Symbolic Angel (Or "human with wings" technically)! I Made it more like a fairy or something, it's not like a mount like the other symbols of the evangelists. So Matthew looks a little more Fatherly because in the Gospel of Matthew the theme of God the Father is the strongest of the gospels (mentioned more times etc.), also it's the only account that gives the account of the Annunciation to St. Joseph and lots of details on St. Joseph, the virginal Father of Jesus on Earth. (I should probably redo St. John since I did the others with more detail, I actually I did that version of St. John a few years ago but I finally decided to color and outline it recently. All the others are new though.) Let me know if you want to see anything! I'll probably do the mysteries of the Rosary next. ^_^

I'm on a role so I might as well complete the Evangelists. :) This is St. Mark the gospel writer of yeah, you guessed it, Mark. He's on his symbolic Lion, besides the Regal symbolism I always thought the Lion was also because there are more exorcisms in Mark than any other Gospel (When ya think Lions ya think of battles and for him spiritual ones). But yeah, He's all about Christ the King n stuff, you know how they say that the Lion is the King of the Jungle, well Big J.C. is King of the Universe! :P

It's St. Luke the Evangelist on his symbolic Winged Ox! I actually visited his tomb in Padua before my first vows awhile back. And I saw his painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bologna. He is definately the Evangelist I am most devoted to because he is the patron of Artists! He is also a physician and because my religious name Raphael means "God Heals" and the Divine Physician there is also that connection. St. Luke Physician, Artist and Evangelist, pray for us! ^_^

St. John the Apostle riding on his symbolic eagle! XD

Quick little doodle of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I had to make one because it's all about that Holy Family! :P (I have a big devotion to them) I'll probably make a much more detailed one in the future but this will do for now. ^_^ Holy Family, pray for us!

Happy Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist! He who prophesied the Christ in the Womb! Our Church is called St. John the Baptist so it is a particular special feast for us. It was also the name one of the Churches that St. Benedict started. Why? Because St. John the Baptist (along with Elijah and Moses) is a type or model of the Monk. Jesus of course is himself the Ideal Monk to follow, in whom all true monks follow the example of. Of course I'm talking Christian Catholic Monks. St. John the Baptist, Pray for Us!

So if Animal Crossing had a Catholic Church, one of the windows might look like this, because in the museum there are several cathedral windows with an Owl on them (Blathers). It's interesting how this particular art form of the church has inspired cultures throughout the ages, even in our modern times in video games. An owl is a symbol of wisdom. So this is the Eucharist, fount of all wisdom or rather even Wisdom itself (as He is God). Heh, it's pretty fun finding all these lil Catholic things in games ^_^

Catholic Church in the Alphabet District of Portland