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This Divine Mercy Icon

     In 2010, a generous anonymous donor came forward to commission an original piece of art depicting the Divine Mercy image. The Arts and Treasures committee commissioned an internationally known iconographer, Fabio Nones, doctor of theology and director of an iconographic center in Trento, Italy, to create this Icon of the Divine Mercy.

Professor Nones’ made this commentary upon this creation:

Jesus is presented standing before a closed room with a locked door. Jesus overcomes our fears. The red cloth draped onto the marble column represents the union of heaven and of earth. Jesus is clothed in the white light of resurrection and with His right hand He offers a blessing and with the left hand He points to His side. From His heart flow red and white rays painted over with gold and silver. The look in His eyes is serene and calm, and He invites everyone to come to Him. His hands and feet have the wounds of the cross. The marble pedestal on which He stands represents His royal dignity, His kingship. The inscription at the top means Jesus Christ.

     In the rich Roman Catholic tradition, we are accustomed to seeing sacred art in our parishes. Stained glass windows, statues and paintings depicting the life of Jesus, the apostles, the holy family and saints adorn our churches, chapels and homes. The rich beauty of these items offers to us an opportunity for a deepening of prayer through the stories they tell.

     Icons are different, not only in technique and style but in substance. Traditionally a form taken up in the Eastern Catholic Church, icons come with a unique tradition of their own. Using a strict code or method for creating icons, iconographers are said to “write” icons, not paint them. Using traditional materials such as egg tempera paint and gold leaf, iconographers are required to pray and fast while creating an icon. The  image itself is not a “realistic” image in the way a great painting might be viewed, but they offer us a way to the “real” Christ and a portal to prayer.

     Because they are “written,” we are invited to “read” them. Reading an icon is much like reading sacred scripture. We all know that reading spiritual books is good for the soul and our spiritual life, but we also know that reading scripture is different – it is a gateway to God. Words have a special meaning in our faith. To take it even deeper, reflect on the first chapter of John:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

     It is important to note that while icons may be venerated – to honor with a ritual act of devotion – this is not idolatry which is to worship a physical object as God. In our tradition we venerate the cross on Good Friday, light candles in the Mary Chapel, and kneel and pray before a relic of a saint. These are all ritual acts of devotion that bring us closer to God through them.