News – March 2004.
Radiant Light Newsletter - March 2004
Christ 'is the radiant light of God's glory' (Heb 1:3)
Dear Friends, welcome to the latest Radiant Light Newsletter, there is news here about the new Radiant Light exhibition, publications, and news from the past year. There is much to be thankful for! We are especially grateful for the help given by many people to the work of Radiant Light, and for all of the encouraging letters received throughout the year. We hope that through this work, more people will come to know Christ's love, light and truth in their lives. Please pray for the work of Radiant Light, and for the life and mission of the whole Church. With best wishes, Fr Stephen Wang , Chris Wang and Mary Wang .
'Touching Heaven'— New Exhibition of pictures about the Mass.
We're pleased to let you know that there will be another Radiant Light Exhibition in London , starting soon. 'Touching Heaven' – an exhibition of pictures about the Mass by Elizabeth Wang, is being held at the French Church, 5 Leicester Place, Leicester Square, London WC2; from April 1 – June 4, 2004. Eighteen large-scale prints of original oil paintings will be displayed, together with Elizabeth 's written meditations. Last year Pope John Paul II encouraged renewed devotion to the Mass in his letter 'Ecclesia De Eucharistia'. He wrote: "The Eucharist, as Christ's saving presence in the community of the faithful and its spiritual food, is the most precious possession which the Church can have in her journey through history". It is hoped that this Exhibition will contribute to this renewal, by bringing alive various themes about the Mass. In an age of websites, advertisements and TV, the pictures provide a visual catechism that we can relate to in a direct way. Visitors to the Exhibition are welcome to attend Mass, which is celebrated Mon-Fri at 12:15pm & 6pm (in English); and Sat 6pm, Sun 10am & 11:30am (in French). The Exhibition is closed during services. To go with the Exhibition, there will be a Votive Mass of the Holy Eucharist in the church, on Saturday May 15th at 12 Noon. The guest preacher will be Mgr. John Armitage, Vicar General of the Brentwood Diocese. (Priests are welcome to concelebrate at this Exhibition Mass on May 15th, please bring an alb and white stole). The Mass will also be communicated in Sign-Language. All are welcome, no tickets are required.
"...The Eucharist… is the vital centre of all that the Church is and does, because at its heart is the real presence of the crucified, risen and glorified Lord, continuing and making available his saving work among us."('One Bread One Body': Catholic Bishop's Conferences of England & Wales, Ireland and Scotland, 1998).
News from the Past Year.
Radiant Light pictures and resources have been used in various ways to encourage people in their faith over the past year. Last Autumn some paintings about the Holy Trinity were used in the 'At Your Word Lord' renewal programme in the Westminster diocese. Other paintings have been printed on the covers of 'Good News' (the magazine of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal), and the pictures are being used by the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation (CASE) and by the National Office for Vocation. Reproductions of the Rosary paintings were used at Youth 2000 Walsingham prayer festival, to decorate the main tent and the children's tent. In a few weeks time, pictures about the Mass will be displayed at a conference on the Holy Eucharist in Maynouth. Throughout the year we have heard from individuals who have been using Radiant Light pictures to encourage people in their faith, in everyday situations. They have been used to teach Year 7's about the Mass, in Chertsey; a prison visitor in New Jersey is using the 'Prayercard for Prisoners' in his work; a Eucharistic minister is using the 'Prayer Postcards' in her work with the sick in a Hertfordshire hospital; and a pro-life organization has found the pictures helpful in their work with women seeking support. We give thanks to the Lord for all the ways in which he has helped these groups and individuals, and many others, to share the Gospel.
Last Year's Rosary Exhibition.
Last spring there was a Radiant Light exhibition of Rosary paintings in the French church, Leicester Square . The pictures depicted some of the most important events in the life of Our Lord, and showed the role of Our Lady in his mission. They included the new 'Mysteries of Light' which were recently added to the Rosary by Pope John Paul II. It was a joyful occasion to share the pictures with people from all over the world who were passing through Leicester Square . As the church was open in the early evening, some people popped in after work to see the exhibition. Tourists visiting Leicester Square sometimes wandered in to find out what the building was, and some people came for a quiet time of prayer. The exhibition Mass on May 10th was a lovely opportunity to worship together with the Lord, and Fr Aidan Nichol's homily about the Rosary added much to the day. Many thanks to Fr Bernard Boisseau and the whole parish for their hospitality.
Work in Progress.
Elizabeth Wang has continued writing and painting during the past year. She has written a book for children about the Mass, and about life in Christ, and is currently painting a set of watercolours to illustrate this.
Feast of Corpus Christi.
Please remember that for everyone connected with Radiant Light the Feast of Corpus Christi, 'The Body and Blood of Christ' (on June 10th, this year) is a special day of prayer and thanksgiving.
New Publications/Resources.
Many people have asked for larger reproductions of their favourite Radiant Light paintings, and so we have published a set of twelve A3 size posters, available individually or as a set, from St Pauls bookshop. Three new prayercards have also been published this year. The twenty Rosary paintings have been added to the Radiant Light Website. So if you want to pray some of the Rosary in your lunch hour, or at home, Please visit www.radiantlight.org.uk/pictures-d.php
"An inspiration for meditation. Thankyou". (Message sent to the Radiant Light website).
What Is Radiant Light?
Radiant Light is a Movement within the Roman Catholic Church. It seeks to encourage people to grow in holiness by believing and living the Catholic faith in its fullness. It was founded by Elizabeth Wang, at the request of Christ, and its mission is inspired by the teachings, images, and spirituality he has given her in prayer. Christ 'is the radiant light of God's glory' (Heb 1:3).