ABSTRACT
On 24 November 2013, the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (otherwise known as the Transalpine Redemptorists), a small Roman Catholic community based on the remote Scottish island of Papa Stronsay and loosely inspired by the Neotraditionalism of the conservative Lefebrist Movement, presented to the faithful in Scotland a new “Holy Image.” Canonically approved by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Aberdeen, and in receipt of full heraldic ratification from the Earl of Moray, the Holy Image bore the full title “King of kings, the Bonnie Prince: The holy image of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of kings, set in Scotland, under the title of The Bonnie Prince” (Transalpine Redemptorists). The religious order’s own webpage description captures the essence of the representation:
The image depicts the Royal Child emerging from the darkness, the mystery and the mist of the Highlands in all His beauty. The Christ Child wears the Royal Stuart Tartan, and on His head is the crown of Scotland. He sits on the coronation stone (The Stone of Scone) which was used for centuries in the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland. His hand is raised in blessing and as in the style of the Most Holy Redeemer, He holds the Cross on His left side. His Sacred Heart is visible-–the high point of the manifestation of His Kingship. He bears the marks of His crucifixion. Around Him are the Highlands of Scotland known for its grey skies and mist, and towards the edge of the painting the Royal Scottish Standard is visible.
