16 works, Today, January 1st, is Mary the Blessed Virgin’s day, her story, illustrated #364

Edvard Munch, (1863–1944)
Detail; Madonna, c. 1895
Oil on canvas
Height: 90 cm (35.4 in); Width: 71 cm (27.9 in)
Kunsthalle, Hamburg

Mary’s father Joachim was a wealthy member of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. He and his wife Anne were deeply grieved by their childlessness. Joachim consequently withdrew to the desert, where he fasted and did penance for 40 days. Angels then appeared to both Joachim and Anne to promise them a child…

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07 works, Today, December 3rd, is Saint John the Silent’s day, his story, illustrated #336

Unknown artist
Savior’s Good Silence
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks
I have no further description, at this time

Saint John the Silent (c. January 8, 454 — c. 558), also known as St John the Hesychast. John was born in 454 AD in Nicopolis, Armenia. He came from a family of mainly generals and governors. His parents died when he was 18 and he built a monastery where he stayed with 10 young monks. Under John’s direction, they led a life of hard work and devotion…

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