In LTP’s circular display of the liturgical year, the key features are easily understandable: the liturgical seasons in their characteristic colors, Sundays on the outer rim, and the days and weeks radiating from the center. This year’s art, by Paul Cainto Balan, helps us understand the process for initiating adults into the Christian faith—a process enacted each year in Roman Catholic parishes around the world. The stages of formation and the beautiful liturgical rites described in the document, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, come to life in his vivid illustrations. In the four corners of the calendar are the four stages of the initiation process—in the upper left: scenes from the Period of Inquiry and the Rite of Acceptance, in the upper right: scenes from the Period of the Catechumenate, and in the lower right: scenes from the scrutinies in the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. The Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), celebrated at the Easter Vigil, are depicted in the center of the calendar. In the lower left, the artist depicts scenes from the initiate’s new life in Christ: receiving the Eucharist and serving in the world.
The Year of Grace 2018 liturgical year follows the Sunday Year B cycle and the Weekday Year II cycle, beginning on December 3, 2017 (First Sunday of Advent) and ending on Friday, November 30, 2018.
Paper Poster, 26 x 26
Paul Cainto Balan is a native of Paete, Philippines, and studied fine arts at the University of Santo Thomas in Manila. In 2001, Paul immigrated to Chicago, where he continues to produce in a wide range of media: painting, digital art, sculpture, and liturgical vessels and vestments. Paul’s themes center on faith, nature, and his Filipino heritage. Many of Paul's religious works, ranging from murals to stained glass, can be seen at various churches in the Philippines and in the United States.
