Dear Friends,
The late Pope Francis commissioned Capuchin Friar Fr. Emiliano Antenucci to write a relatively unknown Marian icon, Our Lady of Silence, for the Vatican offices. (One “writes”—not draws or paints—an icon because of how it is crafted: essentially, by an author who intends to convey a theology drawn from Scripture and Tradition such that the light of the Holy Spirit operates within them.)
In the icon, Mary holds up her right hand in a gesture inviting us to stop, calm down and wait. She invites us to step off the treadmill of hurry, to place ourselves quietly in God’s presence and to remember his promises. In theological waiting, we remember that He will listen to our prayers and will answer every single one of them. The peace her gaze transmits to us reminds us of his goodness and mercy. He will come through in the end. We can be certain of that.
Mary holds up her left hand and presses her finger to her lips. This gesture invites us to find a space of silence amid the noise of our doubts, fears, and frustrations. A space where God can communicate his Word of consolation, reassurance, peace, and joy.
The gesture could also be a motherly reminder to be careful of our judgements and words about others. Her wide eyes express tenderness, reminding us to be patient and merciful with one another, as our Heavenly Father is with each of us.
This icon has helped me to live the virtue of silence amid the ups and downs of life, looking with hope to the “already, but not yet” promise of eternal life.
To this vein, Pope Francis tells us:
“Silence prepares us for the explosion of Easter joy. Silence, the womb of the Word of God, also prepares us to have words that are a gift for others… In a society of noise, silence is a prophecy: it’s a prophecy of the future world.”
Yours in the heart of Christ,
Glory Darbellay
