The original work of art was painted in acrylic on canvas with gold leaf accents, and measures 3 feet by 4 1/2 feet. It was commissioned by Fr. Justin Hamilton, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in St. Mary’s Kansas, for a newly renovated adoration chapel.
Fr. Justin’s vision was that in this chapel, the place of intimate encounter with Our Lord in the Eucharist, that The Child Jesus in the Temple and the Woman of Samaria would present sacramental images of Our Lord’s loving outreach to us.
Young Jesus in the Temple gives us an opportunity to ponder his challenge of us, to engage the Word of God earnestly, to study and inquire into our Sacred Tradition, and to open our hearts to his saving love present in both. Also made present in this work is the mystery of Our Blessed Mother’s path of discipleship. Though distressed by this early hint of her son’s mission, she allowed him to fly from her clutch, pondering “these things in her heart.”
This project began as a collaboration with our friends at Studio io, Michael Raia, and his team.
The Young Jesus in the Temple, by Ruth Stricklin, © 2022 New Jerusalem Studios, LLC.
