Celebrating the Life and Work of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ
Rev. William Weedon and Kelly Klages collaborate on a new, beautifully illustrated book about St Mary.
Guest Post by Rev. William Weedon, images by Kelly Klages.
In so very many of the Church’s icons or images of the Blessed Virgin Mary you will find her with the Babe in one hand, and her free hand inviting your attention to her Son. This is profoundly theologically true: Mary never wants the spotlight to be on her. She always desires that the spotlight be on her Son, our Savior.
Every August 15th, the Church observes the Feast of St. Mary. Roman Catholics (and some old Lutheran books) refer to it as the Assumption, the day Mary was taken to heaven. In the East, it is often called the Dormition, the day of the Virgin’s falling asleep. Lutherans have never had any doubts about the fact that Mary died, nor any qualms about the fact that after death she is taken to heaven. We leave aside the question of whether it was only her spirit, or also her body, that was taken to heaven.
The little book I Remember has its setting on the day of her death. I assume that Mary did as do most people when facing their end: they remember their life. And what a life it was that Mary got to remember. Scene after scene from the Holy Gospels and from Acts will greet you in this book. Lutheran artist, Kelly Klages, vividly paints each of the memories of the major events in the Virgin’s life. And just like in the classic art of the Church, Mary is always pointing us away from herself and to her Divine Son.
The book is to be published later this year by Ad Crucem.
The publication of this little volume with the attendant artwork has long been a dream of mine. I am profoundly grateful to Ad Crucem for taking on the publication and distribution of this volume, and of the artwork that Kelly has prepared for it.The words will sound familiar to those who know my earlier work Celebrating the Saints, for I used the same devotion to invite us all to travel with Mary as prepares to die, remembering all that her Son has done. For her. For you and for me. I pray it will be a great blessing.
Gotta love Our Lady!
Waiting for publication!