The Icon

The Icon of the Divine Heart of God the Father: Apologia and Canon

In this book, the background of the revealed, diptych, ecumenical icon of the Divine Heart of God the Father Encompassing All Hearts is presented, together with the related Consecration (Seal) Prayer to the Almighty Father. The icon apologia and canon are elucidated. The ecumenical importance of the icon of the Divine Heart for the universal Church is addressed, together with the basis for the icon in Sacred Scripture and Tradition, as well as its meaning for our present times and eschatological future. The aims of the icon, history of God the Father in iconography, and pertinent Church Council decrees are explored. The history of the first icon of the Eternal Father in the Catholic Church is given, with evidence of the Divine Paternal Heart, including Scriptural evidence, and the history/revelations of this second icon of the Father in the Catholic Church. A summary theology of the Divine Heart icon is outlined, with relevance to the sacred liturgy, Catholic/Orthodox mysticism, the era of the eighth day and deification of man, the universal call to holiness, and the de-Christianization of our times.

The Ecumenical Work of the Icon

The Ecumenical Work of the Icon is an invitation to the students and faculties of Catholic seminaries to be a part of the tradition of the icon through the lens of ecumenis. With a view of ecumenism as lived in both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions, the visual theological language of the icon may be engaged more fully and respectfully, thus enriching the theological education and future ministry of those who learn and teach in a Catholic setting. In the third portion of the book, readers are offered multiple practical pedagogical examples of how to integrate teaching and learning about the icon into seminary courses and beyond, including writing assignments, oral presentations, and hands-on activities.

The Icon in the Life of the Church