Christmas James Doyle

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Attributed to James Doyle, late 19th century (partially legible, signature worn)

In this vintage illustration, attributed to James Doyle, Saint Francis of Assisi kneels in adoration before the Holy Child Jesus, who miraculously appears beneath the altar of an outdoor chapel. The scene unfolds during the moment of the Consecration, when the mystery of the Eucharist reaches its climax. Francis is shown not in his usual rough brown habit, but dressed in rich white vestments, a deliberate departure from traditional iconography that underscores the sacred and visionary nature of the moment.

To the left, a priest celebrates Mass, elevating the chalice as the wine is transubstantiated into the Blood of Christ. The altar, richly adorned and luminous, becomes the focal point of divine presence. Upon it rests the chalice, now transformed, while the Christ Child appears radiant below, visually linking the Eucharistic mystery with the Incarnation itself.

Only Saint Francis and a solitary cow bear witness to this supernatural vision. Their quiet presence emphasizes the humility and simplicity through which divine mysteries are revealed. The inclusion of the animal recalls the Franciscan reverence for all creation and echoes the humility of Bethlehem, reinforcing the intimate, contemplative spirit of the illustration. The image invites the viewer into a moment of silent awe, where heaven briefly touches the earthly liturgy.

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This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Franciscan Gallery charges for the access to high resolution copy of the image. Manually restoration was necessary in order to improve quality, without covering the original image.