Discover the icon of the Holy Family
Jesus
He is about 12 years old. He blesses in the name of the Trinity and of the 2nd person, the son (2 fingers) and he teaches. His fingers are like those of the doctors of the Law, and he carries the scroll of the Word, the outline of the Gospel. His orange cloak with touches of red denotes his offered life. The white garment shows the purity and transparency of the Father. He wears the priest's stole, showing that he was sent from birth. The halo on the cross shows that He is God. The 2nd small line on the cross in the halo shows the 2nd person of the Trinity. Jesus has known since childhood that he is the Son of God. W O N = I am he who is. His rounded forehead shows his intelligence, and his broad neck shows that he is filled with the Holy Spirit. IC XC = Jésu Christo: the icon is not venerable if it is not named, as we were named at Baptism. Mary and Joseph stand behind him, submissive to baby Jesus.
Marie
The dark red coat indicates the color of blood, the color of the martyrs, the life given. Mary, mother of the living according to grace. Her blue garment symbolizes divinity: she put on divinity to give birth to Jesus, at the moment of his betrothal. She possesses the attributes of royalty: the gold trim and braids on her garment. She is queen, ennobled by God. The 3 stars indicate her virginity before, during and after Jesus' conception. MP TH = Mater Theos, Mother of God Mary looks at us and shows us Jesus: "Do whatever he tells you" Aureole bordered in red = presence of the Holy Spirit
Joseph
He's on his feet. He is not overwhelmed by his mission, but fulfills it. His youth and distance show that chastity towards Mary is a sacrifice. He does not introduce us to Jesus, as he is not his biological father. The staff represents the one who accompanies and walks. The brown coat symbolizes the earth, the symbol of human realities and humility. The blue-green Garment should be green to show his humanity, but here it's a little blue to show God's ennoblement by divinity through his yes. He doesn't look at us, but his gaze leads us further. He shows us the way.
La Colombe
Symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The 3 colors around her designate the Trinitarian cloud (Father-Son-Holy Spirit) from which she springs: "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him."
The
The icon is bordered in red so that when we contemplate it, we are in the Holy Spirit/ The light on the faces shows the transfiguration by the presence of God in them. The light on the vestments shows the change from incarnation to transfiguration. Those who venerate icons arrive fully incarnated, allowing themselves to be penetrated by the holy figures, and in turn to radiate. We are like the faces and garments of the figures in the icon: by contemplating the icon, we are transfigured by the passage of the divine.
How to pray with the icon?
Following Jesus and Mary gives me peace. Where do I stand with regard to my peace of heart?
I contemplate Mary
I look at Mary's red cloak, which symbolizes the life she gives. How can I, too, give my life like Mary and let myself be divinized by the Lord?
I contemplate Jesus
I let myself be taught: in what way am I pure? Will I put on the cloak of innocence to set aside all my powers and let myself be clothed by God?
I contemplate Joseph
If I don't, I can't follow Jesus and Mary. I get behind St Joseph and let him teach and lead me.
I contemplate the Holy Spirit
The Spirit of Love of the Father and the Son, a fully-fledged member of the Trinity who loves me and sets me free. I ask him to come now and enlighten my soul, my spirit and make me see God's Will for my life.
Sentinel testimonials
"Themore we contemplate an icon, the more the Holy Spirit speaks to us...