Hand Triptych (The Visitation with Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary

[Jim Janknegt]

I had the privilege of doing a commission for John and Rebecca (formerly Haskins) Hand for their wedding. The painting was included in their nuptial mass. They choose the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth as the subject along with the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus on either side. The mass fell on the feast of the visitation. The center panel was placed up in the front of the church and the two side panels were carried in during the procession. My daughter got to carry one of them. The mass was truly beautiful and glorious and the reception was a blast.

It really struck me during the wedding and recepection what a celebration of life this was. Since becoming a Catholic over a year ago I have had a continually deepening appreciation for what JP II called the culture of life as opposed to the culture of death. At this wedding there were many large families some with 10, 8, or 6 children. There were many infants and the bride's brother who was married last year just found out his wife is expecting. It is obvious that this community is open to life and they love children. I can't tell you how refreshingly happy this made me feel. We may live in the worlds's most properous country but sadly we have embraced the culture of death by limiting the size of our families. That is true poverty. I am grateful to be in a group of people who are open to life and love their children and families and trust in the Providence of God!!

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