In 2014 at the Rimini Meeting I was moved by an exhibition of the work of French artist Francois Millet marking the 200th anniversary of his birth. Millet appreciated the simplicity and beauty of peasant life and labour, and many of his works depict the poor at work in the field and home. Before Millet…(Read More)
t’s the feast of the Annunciation today – the day on which Jesus’ human life began and therefore nine months until Christmas. Take a moment to appreciate this Millet masterpiece. Even if you have never seen the image before, you will guess that these peasants are praying. When the one who commissioned this painting in…(Read More)
If I were to give this Sunday the Fourth Sunday of Advent a name, I would designate it as Angelus Sunday. Here’s why…(Read More)
If I had to the opportunity to name a Sunday of the Church Year, I would give this weekend’s fourth Sunday of Advent the name “Angelus Sunday.” Here’s why…(Read More)
You might recognise the Collect or Opening Prayer from this Sunday’s Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. It is the prayer of the Angelus: Listen carefully to the Collect at Mass this weekend. You may recognise this prayer, prayed by the priest as the opening prayer of the Mass for this Fourth Sunday…(Read More)
While it’s the morning after the Feast of the Annunciation here in New Zealand, there are many parts of the world still celebrating this great feast, so I still have time for another Annunciation reflection. Take a moment to appreciate this Millet masterpiece. Even if you have never seen the image before, you will…(Read More)
Take a moment to appreciate this Millet masterpiece. Even if you have never seen the image before, you will guess that these peasants are praying. When the one who commissioned this painting in the mid- 1800’s failed to buy the finished painting, Millet added a church bell tower and renamed his work “Angelus”. Many…(Read More)
One of my favourite formal prayers is the Angelus. This prayer focusses the pray-er on the moment when God took on human flesh in Jesus, the moment of the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary. Take a moment now to appreciate this Millet masterpiece below. Even if you have never seen the…(Read More)
