Our Lady of the Journey: Mothers

 

Inspired by the work of Käthe Kollwitz and third icon in a series of images with the same name, "Our Lady of the Journey" was inspired by a trip to the St. Ines mission while visiting our dear friend Jeff and the Novices of the Franciscan Novitiate community in California. Tucked behind a corner is a tiny statue called " La Pereguina" or "The Pilgrim". The date it was created and artist are unknown, however the community called it 'Our Lady of the journey' It got me thinking about all of the women in the world on a journey. The millions of Refugees fleeing Ukraine because of a senseless war, young women walking miles upon miles for drinking water, Mother's trying to find shelter and a better life for their families. Just as Mary did 2,000 years ago. The gospel imagery of the Mother Hen isn’t used enough. These women are signs of protection, strength, hope and love, and the beauty of Motherhood.

 “Invisible God, by the power of your love you make present the bodies of the invisible, the poor farm worker, the foreigner, the widow, the orphan, the refugee, poor, the dead. Show us such a presence, as through them you promise to give us your presence. Make us visible; make us real. Make us capable of feeling so we may think make us capable of tears so we may laugh. Make us your visible people, your light, your joy. Amen”

~Stanley Hauerwas, “Prayers Plainly Spoken”

Prints and Original Icon Available in our store.