Holy Family Icon, Consecration Update

March 15th, 2020, I was invited to give a presentation at the Schoenstatt International Center, located in Wisconsin, on the Holy Family Icon that I had written during the 2017-8 winter season. Unfortunately this event has been cancelled like so many others.

The 2019 ( and 2020) Family Consecration was a coordinated event between the Schoenstatt International Center and the local council of  Knights of Columbus:

2019 Holy Family Consecration

In lieu of this, I have made the Holy Family Icon Cards and Kits available here (below). In this way people might be still able to pray the Family Consecration in their home or in small groups.

THE HOLY FAMILY ICON This particular icon of the Holy Family is a “Western” style icon. In fact, the Latin Rite does have a long standing icon history and claim to style, although other later liturgical styles, like Gothic and Baroque, for example, share equal liturgical footing at this point in time.

It has symmetry and balance but there’s no attempt to define the figures realistically, as is the case with all icons.The line intensity, the elongation of the figures, and the high contrast indicate that its origin is something other than Byzantine. 

To me, this composition is reminiscent of the early Christian "Rabulla" style and descendants thereof.

And that makes some sense since this Holy Family icon type was first introduced in the Holy Land during the 20th century. It was designed to meet the needs or devotions of Catholics and other rites in union with them, although you will see it popping up on Orthodox websites too.

 A Brief Description:

The Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, is traditionally attired and wears her three stars- meaning that she was a virgin before, during and after the birth of Jesus Christ (although one star is hidden behind Jesus Christ's figure and that's not an uncommon occurrence in icons). This star embellishment is a detail found on all Mother of God (Theotokos) icons.

St Joseph "... why it is important to get to know St. Joseph. Because he helps us to enter into relationship with Jesus. If God the Father trusted Joseph enough to give him His Son Jesus, if God the Father trusted Joseph enough to take care of our Blessed Mother, [and Jesus], he can also take care of you". Jesus extends HIS hand in a formal blessing.

My new Card Kits are now in stock and today I'm featuring the Holy Family. This is a perfect gift (optional) for many occasions and is quite lovely when displayed. Each Card Kit comes with an envelope, a custom cut, acid free, signed mat and a 5x7 sized card with prayer on back. Also suitable for framing. The inside of the card is blank except for a small coordinated detail. All is sealed in a reusable, clear gift package. 4.75W x 7.25L. Please view the selection and pricing below. $20 per kit includes shipping to the continental USA.

3/21 Now OUT of the plastic lamination flat cards. Professionally printed 5x7 flat cards w/glossy front are $2.50 + shipping of $2.50 until sold out.

Fall 2019, view Center presentation on the Sacred Monogram of Jesus (GOD).