Gifts for New Catholics
For someone entering the Church at the Easter Vigil — through OCIA, formerly RCIA — the paintings of conversion say what no card can: the prodigal son coming home, Paul struck down on the road, Christ recognised at the table, and the Resurrection itself.
Most adults are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil, the night before Easter Sunday. Each print is made to order: allow about two and a half weeks for delivery.
The Return of the Prodigal Son
Rembrandt
Painted near the end of Rembrandt’s life: the father’s hands on the kneeling son’s back. Perhaps the most moving picture of homecoming ever made.
From $31.52
Conversion on the Way to Damascus
Caravaggio
Saul thrown from his horse, arms open to the light that is about to make him Saint Paul — conversion as a single moment.
From $31.52
Supper at Emmaus
Pontormo
Christ recognised in the breaking of the bread, with the eye of God watching from above — for someone about to receive their first Communion.
From $62.76
Christ and the Samaritan Woman
Juan de Flandes
The conversation at the well with a woman who came for water and left having met the Messiah.
From $97.92
Saints Augustine and Monica
Ary Scheffer
Augustine and his mother, who prayed for his conversion for years — the perfect gift from a sponsor, or from a parent.
From $31.52
Saint Augustine of Hippo
Catholic Art Studio
The most famous convert after Paul: “Late have I loved you, beauty so ancient and so new.”
From $33.26
Resurrection of Christ
Raphael
A young Raphael’s Resurrection — the feast on which a new Catholic is received.
From $31.52
Christ as 'The Light of the World'
Paris Bordone
“The Light of Christ”: the words sung three times as the Easter candle enters the dark church at the Vigil.
From $31.52
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas
Caravaggio
For the friend who asked hard questions all the way in: Thomas, who doubted and then believed.
From $32.98
The Penitent Magdalene
Georges de La Tour
Mary Magdalene by candlelight, looking into the flame — a quiet picture of a life turned around.
From $33.26
Saint Paul
Catholic Art Studio
Paul, patron of converts and missionaries, for someone whose road led them here.
From $33.26
A gift for the Easter Vigil
Adults who become Catholic usually do so at the Easter Vigil, after months of preparation in OCIA — the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, the name that has replaced RCIA. They may be baptised, confirmed and receive their first Communion all on the same night, which makes it one of the largest days of their lives, and one with few customs about what to give.
Sponsors often give a crucifix or a rosary. A painting of conversion says something more particular: that the story they have just joined is full of people who came the long way round. The prodigal son, Paul on the road to Damascus and Augustine — who wrote the most famous account of a conversion ever set down — are the classic choices.
Questions
What do you give someone entering the Catholic Church?
Common gifts are a crucifix, a rosary, a Catholic Bible or a book of prayers. A painting of conversion — the prodigal son, the conversion of Saint Paul — is a gift that marks the night itself.
What is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly called RCIA: the process by which adults prepare to be received into the Catholic Church, usually at the Easter Vigil.
Who is the patron saint of converts?
Saint Paul, whose conversion on the road to Damascus is the most famous in the Bible. Saint Augustine and Saint Monica are also closely associated with conversion.
When should I order for the Easter Vigil?
At least three weeks before Easter. Prints are made to order, then shipped.