Mother Mary is the woman most portrayed in art. No doubt, you have your favorite image of her. Today I present three of my favorites.
Mother Mary’s Looks
In the first century, cameras were not yet invented, so we don’t know what Mary looked like. Because she lived in first-century Israel, a Middle Eastern country, we can assume that she most likely had tan skin, brown eyes, brown or black hair and was short—5-feet tall or less. (This description contradicts modern images of pale, blond, blue-eyed Mary.) Visionaries described Mary as beautiful in her apparitions on earth. In these cases she takes on the looks of the nation where she is appearing. For example, Our Lady of Guadalupe came as a pregnant Aztec woman.
Mary’s Statue at Our Convent
At the entrance to the Sisters of Notre Dame property in Chardon, stands a bronze statue of Mary as the Immaculate Conception. Her foot is treading the serpent, symbol of Satan, whom her Son conquered. She gazes down at the viewer with open hands, as though she is welcoming us, preparing to embrace us, or ready to respond to our pleas.
I have an affinity to this statue because long ago we were united. As I took my geometry test at the end of my sophomore year at Notre Dame Academy, Sister David called me away. I was to be photographed standing with this statue, which at the time stood at the Notre Dame provincial center on Ansel Road in Cleveland. This photo was published in our diocesan newspaper along with the article about the Sisters relocating to Chardon. Later, I was pleased to discover that this statue made the move too. Nowadays each evening, weather permitting, I take a walk to it.
My Statue of Mary
When I became diocesan vocation co-director, my office downtown needed a statue of Mary, I decided to find one with Jesus. After all, our Blessed Mother became the most powerful woman in the world because of him. At a conference at Regina High School, on a religious goods table there was a beautiful statue of Mary that conveyed her purity, humility, and tenderness. I fell in love with it at first sight.
However, the statue was of her alone. No Jesus. Besides, it was also too expensive for me. Fortunately, at the end of the day, a sign on the table read, “ Everything half price.” “This statue too?” I asked. “Yes, and you get the clergy discount.” I purchased it, rationalizing that Mary was pregnant with Jesus. The statue now stands in my bedroom. A tiny terra cotta Baby Jesus figurine is next to is.
Mother Mary’s Icon
I usually do not care for icons (“windows into heaven”), but Our Lady of Perpetual Help is an exception. This 15th century picture does show Mary with Jesus, but she is not looking at him. Instead, she is looking directly at us, her other children. She is always ready to help with whatever concern we have in our heart just as she was always there for Jesus.
History of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Supposedly a merchant who stole this icon from a church in Crete brought it to Rome, claiming that it was miraculous. Mother Mary appeared to a girl and asked that the image be placed in the Church of St. Matthew the Apostle, saying, “So that all who seek my help will receive it.” During the war the icon was taken away for safety and disappeared. It was recovered, given to the Redemptorists, and now is displayed in the Church of St. Alphonsus in Rome. In the 1990s it was restored.
The Child Jesus
Jesus is not looking at you or his mother. He is frightened because he knows his future depicted above him. Archangels hold the instruments of his crucifixion. Saint Michael has the spear and wine-soaked sponge, while Gabriel carries the cross and nails. Jesus finds refuge in his mother. He grasps her thumb. Notice that he has run to her for comfort so quickly that his sandal falls off and dangles at the bottom of the picture.
The icon’s message is that Mary is a mother to you too. Whenever you are in need, she lovingly invites you to come to her for comfort and help. She will intercede for you with her Son.
Theology of Mother Mary
Click on the link to view a short video summarizing what we Catholics believe about Mary.
• What is your favorite image or images or the Blessed Virgin Mary?
* Where do you display an image of Mary?
Here is arguably the most famous Marian hymn:
6 Responses
I have always felt a special affinity with Mary. Probably a carry over from my 8 years of attending the Immaculate Heart of Mary grade school. I always carry a rosary in my pocket and I pray it every night when I go to bed. Full disclosure, I often fall asleep before finishing it, but that’s okay, my mother always said the Angels will finish it for me! She also said it is good to fall asleep talking to God. I have a candle on my desk of Our Lady of Guadalupe and have a several books about Mother Teresa on my desk as well. She also had a special affinity to our mother. Whenever I have a friend or even an acquaintance diagnosed with a serious illness, I always try to pray the rosary for them every day until they get through it. This little act has never failed me.
Mary must be a true mother to you, Gary. My friend prays four rosaries every day, one for each set of mysteries.
That was beautiful! Thank you!
You’re welcome! Thank you for reading my blog and commenting, Mary.
Kathleen, I really appreciate the images of Mary and stories that accompany them! Including the “Theology” piece. It inspires me to do something similar with my students this year. Thanks!
I’m glad my blog gave you an idea for teaching about Mary. One thing I did with my students was take them on a “pilgrimage” around the building, church, and campus visiting each image of Mary and praying.