More on Healing in Religious Art

I just found this posting on one of my new favorite blogs, Morbid Anatomy. It's about the chapel at St Roch Cemetery in New Orleans. Go on over to M.A. and check out the whole post! There are more amazing photos, and an historical account of the cemetery itself (reminiscent of Jezebel).

I guess it's more "proof" of the power of faith in healing. This image makes me think of the Basilica of St Anne de Beaupre in Quebec, where the interior of the church is covered with old crutches, donated by the healed pilgrims.

It also reminds me of one of my pal Bob's recent post about creepy religious art imagery, and in particular, the case of St Lucy . I guess this statue is St Lucy....

An Icon of the Empire

I found this icon on Religious Imagery in Culture. Fantastic! I love that the centurion is giving a blessing (and holding a Bible) - do storm troopers READ?!

Other Star Wars-themed religious art has appeared on my blog before. Interesting that both feature artificial-type characters, not so much the human or animal-like variety.

I'm digging this. Thanks RIiC!

Jesus as Healer

I found this image on Boing Boing today. Awesome.

Our church offers unction every Sunday, and I have to say, that at first, I was totally freaked out by the concept. But the more I think about it, and have massages in my non-religious life, I realize that there IS a healing power in touch. And I have heard many sermons about the idea that maybe all the sick people that Jesus cured really just wanted some companionship, and care, and that's what cured them of their ailments.

This reminds me of one of my favorite paintings of Jesus' miracles which I saw in Montreal at the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal. I have to postcard at home - The Raising of Jairus' Daughter, by Gabriel Max, 1878 - and I found the image on Flickr. So moving. It's strange to see a painting of one of Jesus' miracles and see so little of him. But, it's such an intimate and amazing moment. A miracle.

Vampires for Oxfam!

I think this has to be the best Oxfam ad EVER. Especially given my new obsession [the Twilight movies]. I found this at the Twilight fan blog. Hold onto your hats, people, because this may rival my LotR obsession, which was truly all-consuming for several years there. Hmm. I think it has to do with the eye-candy.

"The hero. The leader. The god"

Just found this on Religious Imagery in Culture, by Alexandre Kosolapov - and I love it! Thanks for posting, elnellis.

I'm Bitten

Those of you who know me, know that I have a massive soft spot for vampire lore, especially when translated to film. But I just saw "Twilight" and am hooked. I will now need to read the series.

I have a lot of ideas about the concept of vampires, but will need to think Twilight through a little more before I talk about them here. I have to say, I agree with the Gawker review [which I can't seem to find right now! ugh] which said, "it was the hottest non-sex of the year." I'd have to agree.

So, people, this is what Netflix is for. More on vampires later....

Finally Found It!

San Clemente & a Mithraic Temple

I'm back, but slow to blog at this point. Feeling a little out of practice.

When I got to the blog this morning, I saw that the highlighted "Sacred Destination" was a Mithraic Temple, that had been built upon by the Basilica di San Clemente in Rome.

Byzantine fresco in the right aisle of the Lower Church, discovered by Fr Joseph Mullooly in 1857, depicting the Madonna and Child. It is believed to have originally been a contemporary portrait of the Empress Theodora painted in the 5th or 6th century, which was transformed into the Virgin and Child in the 8th or 9th century. On either side are two ladies, who were probably originally members of the imperial court but later became Saints Euphemia and Catherine with the crowns of martyrdom. Photo © Paradoxplace.com.

This is one of my favorite types of religious sites - one where a previous tradition has been built over, but still remains. This is one of the things I appreciate about the seasonal liturgy (Liturgical Year) of the Church as it cycles through the Lectionary. The overlays are what fascinate me, and keep me thinking about religion.

My Vacation

So, I just got back from an awesome vacation (for me) while Josiah was working in Goldsboro, NC. We stopped at Chincoteague, VA on our way down to North Carolina. And while J. was training in Goldsboro, the girls and I went to New Bern, NC. It was a fantastic time! Here are the highlights:

* We ate fantastic Barbeque at McCalls in Goldsboro, NC. To my tastebuds, the best ever. Here is video of both the salad and entree buffet:



And then there was the dessert buffet. This place had the best banana pudding I've ever had. Complete with meringue topping.

* I saw an amazingly beautiful moth. The kind I only thought were owned by frustrated Victorians, a la "Angels and Insects". This thing was gorgeous!


* The girls and I drank Pepsi at the counter of the pharmacy where it was created in New Bern, NC.

* I met Liev Schreiber's mom and gushed about what a great (and hot!) actor I think he is. My brush with fame!

* And we saw an Indigo Bunting.

It was just an awesome time.