April 16 is the Saint's feast day..
I'll bet you St. Benedict Joseph is the Pope's secret patron. Happy birthday Holy Father.
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I painted the icon (shown) around 1983. The original is in a house of Franciscan Friars in Boston, and Fr. Benedict Joseph Groeschl told me he placed a copy I gave him in his cell.
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St. Benedict Joseph, pray for us.
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For more information on St. Benedict Joseph Labre go here.
It's an awesome painting.
ReplyDelete+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteTerry, when you say "secret patron," do you mean that Pope Benedict privately considers him a patron or that St. Benedict Joseph has quietly taken the initiative from Heaven? =)
Thanks Belinda.
ReplyDeleteEnbrethiliel, I meant that the Holy Father may have a personal devotion to the saint.
+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteTerry, you might like this post from Fr. Mark of Vultus Christi:
http://vultus.stblogs.org/2009/04/saint-benedict-joseph-labre.html
Thanks Enbrethiliel - I thought perhaps it was the Holy Father's birthday as well - I just wasn't sure - therefore I'm convinced the saint is a special patron of his. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThe church where Benedict Joseph collapsed (on the steps):
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._Maria_ai_Monti
Thanks Susan - I was able to visit there while in Rome.
ReplyDeleteA great feast day, especially for anyone who has been rejected by the Church. Beautiful painting!
ReplyDeleteReminder to self:
ReplyDeleteDo not covet thy neighbor's pilgrimage experiences.....:>
Master T ... this one stirs the soul ... intense facial expression ... interesting body portions too. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteTerry,
ReplyDeleteGreat painting. Even his hair speaks to me. I hope I can see some of your pieces in person some day. Glad we exchanged blogs the other day... fun to get to know you more than the occasional "hi" on the sidewalk. You inquired about adding my blog to your list... go ahead. Peter Rabbit and friends say hi and thanks. :)
-Jenn