This day you shall know that the Lord will come, and save us: and in the morning you shall see His glory.

Happy Christmas from Narnia

Adoration of the Magi, Rogier Vander Weyden, c.1455

Today we had the Vigil of Christmas for our Sunday Mass, and this was the Introit (an opening verse and response that starts the traditional Catholic liturgy of the Mass).

This day you shall know that the Lord will come, and save us: and in the morning you shall see His glory.
The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it.
This day you shall know that the Lord will come, and save us: and in the morning you shall see His glory.

I want to thank everyone who’s come with me on this odd journey into a new life. I started this site on April 18, 2021, and readership has nearly doubled from where we started. It took me a while to find my feet, and figure out what I was really doing, and how to integrate the writing with the painting, but it’s turning out pretty well, and I’ve had many notes from people who appreciate being part of the process as I learn about Christian sacred art. Stay tuned for more in-depth examinations of the glories of our shared Christian heritage.

In the new year, there are some big plans afoot. Thanks especially to those who have supported my work here and in the studio by donating and especially by buying my Christmas things. The Hilary White; Sacred Art Christmas Shop was a grand success. This has literally kept the lights on and food on the table.

Courses!

I had a hugely positive response last year when I floated the idea of a series of courses and learning materials about our subject, the first 1200 years of sacred art, it’s history and meaning. The plan is to monetise a section of this website, meaning that there will be an added section for people who have paid for the courses. This separate paid section will be where I will upload added materials, hopefully including original videos, for the courses, aimed at both adults and home schooling youngsters.

I’ve got a basic map laid out for the courses that will include a broad survey overview and then “drop-down” sections for Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic. I’m planning downloadable PDF materials, quizzes and fun projects you can share with your home school students.

A Narnian Christmas

Here are a few pics of Narni dressed for Christmas.

The main piazza in town.

As I’ve said we have a great devotion here to the Christmas Nativity scene, or “Presepe” as it’s called in Italian. Nativity creches are everywhere, in every little nook, large and small, simple and home-made or fabulously detailed miniature dioramas of traditional Italian village life.

Today on the way home from Sunday Mass I took a bunch of pics of some of them on our Presepe Percorso, and thought I’d share.

Mr. Tumnus left his scarf draped over the Lamp Post today. The Narnese are very keen on their literary namesake.

And we did our own decorating today.

This traditional Neapolitan set was a gift from a friend many years ago, shortly after I came to Italy. (I added the moose for a Canadian touch.) My friends went out to the woods this afternoon and collected a bunch of lovely greenery. I think it looks lovely.

I’ll leave you all with my prayers and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, and with this little video I made the other night at the Sisters’ Christmas party.

Buon Natale, a tutti.