Category Archives: Catholicism

Personal Shrines

Posted on July 10, 2018 by reinkat

When I was travelling in southern Germany and Poland last summer, I was struck by the number of personal shrines, devotional images, statues, and other items of devotion. Not just in churches, but in neighborhoods, road intersections, on walls of … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Catholic icons, Catholicism, Christian Prayer, Icon, Iconography, Uncategorized | Tagged art, art in Bavaria, art in Poland, Christianity, environmental art, faith expression, folk art, garden icon, home altar, icon, iconography, personal shrine, religion, religious art, travel | 6 Comments

Looking at Church Art: Jesus

Posted on February 19, 2018 by reinkat

As I traveled in Germany and Poland, I noticed that the images of Jesus that I saw were different ones from those in the United States. Every crucifix was different of course, and always present in every church we visited, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Catholic icons, Catholicism, Christian Prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged art, Christianity, church art, culture, images, prayer, religion, religious art, spirituality, statues, travel, travel in Germany, travel in Poland | 5 Comments

Looking at Church Art: The Mother of God

Posted on February 19, 2018 by reinkat

I was blessed to be able to travel last summer, visiting southern Germany and Poland. It was a wonderful trip. My husband is not one for museums, but we saw so much beautiful artwork in the churches of both countries. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Catholic icons, Catholicism, Uncategorized | Tagged American Catholic art, art, Christianity, church art, comparing images, European Catholic art, images, images of Mary, religion, religious statues, spirituality, travel in Germany, travel in Poland | 1 Comment

Soi Dog

Posted on January 31, 2018 by reinkat

We adopted a feral dog. She has been with us for just over 6 months. What a wonderful journey of faith and learning it has been. For all of us. She spent the first 6 years of her life running … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism, Christian Prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, dog, dogs, feral dog, learning from our pets, meat market dogs, pets, religion, Soi Dog Foundation, Thailand dogs | 2 Comments

House of Prayer

Posted on September 13, 2016 by reinkat

It’s Sunday. I went first to the place that we, human beings, built for God. He graciously comes to us there, in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and in the gift of the Eucharist. And then … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism, Christian Prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged peace of heart., prayer, prayer in nature | 4 Comments

A Prayer for the Strayed

Posted on July 5, 2016 by reinkat

Inspiration can come from all sorts of places. Years ago I found a beautiful prayer for unbelievers inside a novel by Jan Karon. The words expressed my sentiments perfectly, and I copied it out for my own use. I have adapted … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Catholic icons, Catholicism, Christian Prayer, Icon, Uncategorized | Tagged Catholic prayer, Christian prayer, Edith Mallory, icon, iconography, In This Mountain, inspiration from novels, Jan Karon, Mitford novels, prayer, prayer for mercy, prayer for salvation, prayer for unbelievers, praying for the lost sheep | 2 Comments

Praying with St. Therese for the lost sheep

Posted on June 22, 2016 by reinkat

The 5th figure on my icon of prayers for the lost sheep of Jesus is St. Therese. St. Therese of Lisieux, called the Little Flower, and noted for her “little way”, wanted to be a missionary and bring souls to … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Catholic icons, Catholicism, Christian Prayer, Icon, Iconography, Uncategorized | Tagged prayers for the lost, prayers for the strayed, St. Therese of Lisieux | 1 Comment

A joyous blessing

Posted on May 29, 2016 by reinkat

My life has been greatly blessed this past week. A baby grandson was born just a few days ago. He is my one, and possibly only, grandchild. I love him to pieces! His name is Elliott. I was curious about … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic icons, Catholicism, Christian Prayer, Icon | Tagged blessing, Elijah, Elliot, icon | 5 Comments

A “well, duh” moment

Posted on May 5, 2016 by reinkat

Now many of you will probably say “well, duh” when you read this, but even though I have been praying for people all of my life, I am evidently a slow learner. Twice in the last year, I have volunteered to … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism, Christian Prayer | Tagged intercessory prayer, prayer, praying for others, praying for someone you don't know | 1 Comment

Skin Tones in Acrylic: A Process

Posted on March 31, 2016 by reinkat

I have been experimenting with painting icons using acrylic paints, after years of using egg tempera exclusively. I kind of like acrylics, with their ease of use and quick drying. Over time, I have studied with several different teachers, each with their … Continue reading →