Our Lady of Grace with Franciscan Saints

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Our Lady of Grace is a cherished title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated in the Catholic tradition and honored with a feast day on February 7. Under this title, Mary is venerated across many countries, and countless parishes, churches, and schools bear her name. In sacred art, Our Lady of Grace is often depicted as the Mediatrix of Grace: she stands with her hands extended, allowing rays of light to stream from her fingers, symbolizing the divine graces she distributes to humanity through her maternal intercession. Continue reading after advertisement

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One of the most important historical centers of devotion to Our Lady of Grace was the medieval shrine at Ipswich in England, first recorded in 1152. Known as Our Lady of Ipswich, it became a renowned pilgrimage destination during the Middle Ages, second in popularity only to Walsingham. Even royalty, including Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, visited the shrine. During the English Reformation, the statue associated with the shrine was removed and reportedly destroyed in London in 1538. However, some traditions maintain that the image survived and was later preserved in Nettuno, Italy. According to local legend, it may have been brought there by Catholic sailors or sold through intermediaries connected to Thomas Cromwell, and the statue at Nettuno is believed by some scholars to show signs of English origin. Continue reading after advertisement

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The vintage devotional image reproduced here presents Our Lady of Grace surrounded by figures closely linked to the Franciscan spiritual family. Among them appear Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the order, alongside Franciscan saints such as Maximilian Kolbe and several pontiffs. Unlike the traditional iconography in which Mary’s hands pour forth rays of grace, this representation shows her with hands joined in prayer, emphasizing her role as an intercessor on behalf of the Franciscan family. The composition creates a visual communion of saints gathered beneath Mary’s protection, expressing the unity of the Church and the enduring Franciscan devotion to the Mother of God. Continue reading after advertisement

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