Mary Mother of Mercy

Sister Thoma Swanson, OP, has painted this contemporary representation of a traditional image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy. (An explanation of the figures may be found at: http://www.dominicanstudies.org/library/dominic-finds-his-followers-under-mary%E2%80%99s-mantle-version-1.)

We begin 2016 under the mantle of Mary, Mother of Mercy and Mother of Peace.  January 1^st is traditional the feast of Mary “Theotokos”, the Greek title, “God-Bearer” (Mother of God).  During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, her mantle embraces all in the Loving God’s Mercy.

Let us joyfully receive this gift of Mary as Mother and let her model for each of us the call of every Christian to bear Jesus for the world. This wonderful title, Mary, the Mother of God, "Theotokos", reveals a profound truth not only about Mary, but about each one of us. We are now invited into the very relationship that she had with her Son. We can become "God-bearers", Disciples of Jesus, and bring Him to all those whom we encounter. Let the beginning of 2016 find us resolved to be bearers of mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace in our families, our neighborhoods, with the stranger and foreigner, in our own hearts.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny wish all a Happy and Blessed New Year full of God’s Promise of Mercy and Peace.