Postulant Mary Jane shares about her recent experience of writing her own icon of St. Anthony of Padua.
From May 11-15, the two Novices. Sr. Concepcion, Sr. Maria Guadalupe, and myself were given the incredible opportunity to learn how to write (paint) an icon. Sr. Mariella the Postulant Directress taught the Iconography class. I chose to do an icon of St. Anthony of Padua. I chose St Anthony because it will be on his feast day June 13 when I will be professed into the Novitiate as a first year Novice. Also, I have a special devotion to St. Anthony. I always pray to St. Anthony whenever I need help finding an item that I’ve misplaced, and he always finds it for me.
It was an amazing experience to learn how to write an icon. My favorite part of the lesson was learning the history of the Catholic Church on the arguments for and against the use of icons. The insight I will take away from this experience is how during the most difficult painting parts I surrendered my talent to Our Lord and prayed he would take over. When I let go, it was then I was able to work the brush the way I wanted.
Article Comments:
Sr. Sharon Paul, O.S.F. 06/04/2020 @ 1:26 pm
Mary Jane, great job on your icon of St. Anthony. That was our group’s Reception date also. Our group title is: “Servants of Mary.” I imagine you are working on a title for your upcoming Reception too. God’s graces & blessings to you on your Reception Day & we at St. Benedict’s, Cambridge, Ohio will keep you in prayer.
Sister Jan 06/04/2020 @ 2:24 pm
Beautiful prayer work, Mary Jane. I wish we could be with you on reception day. It will be in spirit. So glad to have another “yooper” in our congregation.
Karen Estock Yash 06/04/2020 @ 8:26 pm
Beautiful! How long did it take to paint? My prayers are with you as you continue formation.