THE ICON OF “THE THRONE OF GRACE OR IN PRAISE OF JESUS AND MARY “

ICONS

An icon, in the Christian tradition is a representation of holy persons (saints) in order to express the Divine.  Thus the key is in the concept of transfiguration, especially in the features of these persons.  The meaning of an icon is profoundly theological and, as such, differs from a holy picture. It is totally integrated into the catechesis of the Orthodox Church but also into that of the Catholic Church.

In our times, as human beings we need tangible means by which to grow and approach beauty, truth and the Divine, in order to give meaning to our lives.

Some iconographers, aware of the rich interior life of Blessed Dina Belanger, have dedicated icons to her. We are going to present them to you in the next editions.

THE ICON OF “THE THRONE OF GRACE OR IN PRAISE OF JESUS AND MARY “

The icon of « The Throne of Grace or In Praise of Jesus and Mary » is in the form of a triptych and was created by Sr Marthe Belanger RJM in June 1993, the feast of the Holy Trinity.

The Virgin Mary seated on a throne and placed close to her Son in glory, becomes the living image of the Church.  Jesus raises his right hand in blessing and in the left holds the scroll of the Word. Mary extends one hand towards Jesus, while the other reaches downwards in a movement of communion with her Son. The green and amber colours are a reminder of the chapel in the Generalate in Rome.

On the panel on the left, Saint Claudine is clothed in brown and red, the colours of humility and renunciation of the world. Her right hand is in the position of blessing that is reserved for the founders of religious orders or congregations. With her left hand she indicates the path to salvation and holiness : Jesus and Mary.

The panel on the right represents Blessed Dina Belanger, dressed in flowing robes as a sign of joy.  Her right hand points to the path of life: love of Jesus, love of Mary, together being but one love. The left hand holds a scroll as a sign of her mission: « You will do much good by your writings » and her motto, « Love and let Jesus and Mary have their way » can also been seen.

When looking at this picture the person standing before it is overwhelmed by silence and a deep conviction , « Every gift comes from on high » and one can join with the big family of Jesus and Mary in saying with her in truth , PRAISED FOREVER BE JESUS AND MARY!