Icon of Blessed Carlo inspired by Holy Spirit, says Hamilton parishioner

November 8, 2024 at 12:00 a.m.
Iconographer Kristina Sadley, and her husband, James, presented an icon of Blessed Carlo Acutis to Bishop O’Connell during an Oct. 11 visit to the Chancery in Lawrenceville. Seated at left is Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director of Pastoral Life and Mission. Mary Stadnyk photo
Iconographer Kristina Sadley, and her husband, James, presented an icon of Blessed Carlo Acutis to Bishop O’Connell during an Oct. 11 visit to the Chancery in Lawrenceville. Seated at left is Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director of Pastoral Life and Mission. Mary Stadnyk photo

By EMMALEE ITALIA
Contributing Editor

In 1999, Kristina Sadley, parishioner of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, began the Sacred Art of Iconography in the ancient Byzantine method of icon writing.

“Since that time, I have written (painted) more than 100 icons that I have had the privilege to prayerfully complete for churches and individuals,” she said.

“I believe it was the Holy Spirit who inspired my writing of Blessed Carlo Acutis, after having read two books on [his] short and inspiring life,” she said of the icon that was presented Oct. 12 in Brick to Bishop Krzysztof Jozef Nykiel, regent of the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary. Explaining that her inspiration came in the middle of the night in April, she responded to the prompting, noting that “The icon then could coincide with Bishop [David M.] O’Connell’s initiative with Carlo as the patron of students in this Diocese.”

She said it “was a privilege to share this image of Blessed Carlo as a means to encourage Eucharistic Adoration and help fulfill the objectives of the Bishop.”

Sadley said she believes the icon could be a means of increasing the faith and focus on Blessed Acutis, who was “a steward of Jesus Christ – and students and adults might be inspired to imitate his life,” which was “dedicated to seeking Jesus,” performing daily works of faith such as attending Mass, receiving the Eucharist, attending Eucharistic Adoration, reading Scripture and praying a daily Rosary.

Within the Diocese of Trenton, Sadley’s icons include: “St. Michael the Archangel,” St. Vincent de Paul Church, Yardville; “Divine Mercy,” Holy Cross Church, Trenton, as well as “The Descent of the Holy Spirit” as a gift to Msgr. Edward Arnister, then pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, on his 25th anniversary of priestly Ordination; “Christ Pantocrator” and “Theotokos, Mother of God,” St. Andrew Church, Jobstown; “St. Rose,” St. Rose Church, Belmar; and “Blessed Virgin Mary,” St. Gregory the Great Church prayer room, Hamilton Square.

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In 1999, Kristina Sadley, parishioner of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, began the Sacred Art of Iconography in the ancient Byzantine method of icon writing.

“Since that time, I have written (painted) more than 100 icons that I have had the privilege to prayerfully complete for churches and individuals,” she said.

“I believe it was the Holy Spirit who inspired my writing of Blessed Carlo Acutis, after having read two books on [his] short and inspiring life,” she said of the icon that was presented Oct. 12 in Brick to Bishop Krzysztof Jozef Nykiel, regent of the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary. Explaining that her inspiration came in the middle of the night in April, she responded to the prompting, noting that “The icon then could coincide with Bishop [David M.] O’Connell’s initiative with Carlo as the patron of students in this Diocese.”

She said it “was a privilege to share this image of Blessed Carlo as a means to encourage Eucharistic Adoration and help fulfill the objectives of the Bishop.”

Sadley said she believes the icon could be a means of increasing the faith and focus on Blessed Acutis, who was “a steward of Jesus Christ – and students and adults might be inspired to imitate his life,” which was “dedicated to seeking Jesus,” performing daily works of faith such as attending Mass, receiving the Eucharist, attending Eucharistic Adoration, reading Scripture and praying a daily Rosary.

Within the Diocese of Trenton, Sadley’s icons include: “St. Michael the Archangel,” St. Vincent de Paul Church, Yardville; “Divine Mercy,” Holy Cross Church, Trenton, as well as “The Descent of the Holy Spirit” as a gift to Msgr. Edward Arnister, then pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, on his 25th anniversary of priestly Ordination; “Christ Pantocrator” and “Theotokos, Mother of God,” St. Andrew Church, Jobstown; “St. Rose,” St. Rose Church, Belmar; and “Blessed Virgin Mary,” St. Gregory the Great Church prayer room, Hamilton Square.

The Church needs quality Catholic journalism now more than ever. Please consider supporting this work by signing up for a SUBSCRIPTION (click HERE) or making a DONATION to The Monitor (click HERE). Thank you for your support.

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