On the tails of the Year for Priests, a colorful, rich coffee-table book has been released in the United States that offers a visual meditation on priesthood. “The Catholic Priest, Image of Christ: Through Fifteen Centuries of Art,” had its Chicago release last month during a presentation at the Union League Club, where the European publisher Liana Marabini was on hand along with Jesuit Father Joseph Fessio, founder and editor of Ignatius Press; Msgr. Michael Schmitz, vicar general of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest; and John David Mooney, a Chicago- based artist whose body of work includes an outdoor art installation at Castel Gandalfo, the pope’s summer residence in Italy. Msgr. Schmitz, who is based at the Shrine of Christ the King, 6415 S. Woodlawn Ave., authored several essays in the book along with other members of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. The shrine on Chicago’s South Side is the U.S. headquarters of the institute. Originally published in French in 2009, the book includes 560 color images of priesthood created by artists over 15 centuries. The images are varied and extensive. There are even images of Jesus and the Apostles from Asian artists. In between these striking images are 11 essays from various people about the different facets of priesthood. Reflections about various priestsaints whose lives served as a witness to elements of priesthood can be found toward the end of the book. It’s a dense book that is meant to be savored and not consumed in one sitting. Just the art alone can inspire hours of mediation. While this isn’t a book that would appeal to everyone, those interested in religious art or the priesthood would enjoy it. Ignatius Press is the U.S. distributor. To order a copy visit www.ignatius.com or call (800) 651-1531.