20/05/2023
Why is SMO called St. Mary's School? Let's understand the symbolism first.
In this image, we see the Christ Child, startled by the sight of angels revealing the instruments of His impending Passion, hastening towards His mother, Mary. He nearly loses a tiny sandal in his fright. With love and reassurance, Mary holds Him close, but her gaze is not on Him, but on us โ a remarkable detail that highlights Mary's plea for us to avoid sin and love her Son. ๐๐ผ๏ธ
Christ's tiny hands pressing into Mary's signify that as He entrusted Himself to her protection on earth, so too in Heaven He has put all graces in her hands, to be given to those who ask her. This is the central message of the painting. ๐๐
This Byzantine icon is rich with symbols: The golden background represents Heaven, where Jesus and Mary are now enthroned, while the gold threading through their clothing signifies the heavenly joy They can bring to our lives. โญโจ
The Star on Mary's veil indicates that she is the Star of the Sea, who brought Christ's light to a dark world and leads us to Heaven's safe port. Her mouth, small and often silent, promotes quiet reflection. ๐๐
St. Michael the Archangel is represented by a Greek initial, holding the lance and gall-sop of Christ's Passion. Mary's red tunic, the colour worn by virgins in Christ's time, adds another layer of symbolism. ๐ผโ๏ธ
Her large eyes, always looking towards us, see all our troubles. Christ's hands, palms down into His mother's, signify that the Graces of Redemption are in her keeping. His falling sandal symbolizes a soul clinging to Christ by a single thread โ via devotion to Mary. ๐๐
Crowned by a golden crown placed by the Holy See in 1867, this picture is a testament to the many miracles performed when Our Lady is invoked under the title of "Perpetual Help."