This icon is titled: Salus Populi Romani. Arriving in Rome in 590, it is kept in the Pauline Chapel of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. This is the icon which Pope Francis visits before and after each trip outside of Rome.
The icon's Latin title translates, The Health of the Roman People. But Rome, like Jerusalem and New York, is an international city - everyone from everywhere is there. So maybe we could adjust the title to something more universal, "Salus Populi - Health of the People."
At the Pope's request, the Vatican Museum undertook a complete restoration of the icon in 2018. The before and after photographs above show us how badly that work was needed. The golden halos were restored, the faces and hands brightened, insect and wood-worm holes were repaired, the delicate colors uncovered, the icon's reverse side was varnished to strengthen the wood panel.
The "Salus Populi" Mother of God icon is unusually large: five feet high and three and a quarter feet wide. It is also filled with spiritual meaning: Mary's gaze, her handkerchief, her indigo maphorion (mantle), the way she holds the holy infant, his blessing hand, and closed gospel book. Perhaps over the next days we can ponder these things together - like going on a mini retreat!
The icon's Latin title translates, The Health of the Roman People. But Rome, like Jerusalem and New York, is an international city - everyone from everywhere is there. So maybe we could adjust the title to something more universal, "Salus Populi - Health of the People."
At the Pope's request, the Vatican Museum undertook a complete restoration of the icon in 2018. The before and after photographs above show us how badly that work was needed. The golden halos were restored, the faces and hands brightened, insect and wood-worm holes were repaired, the delicate colors uncovered, the icon's reverse side was varnished to strengthen the wood panel.
The "Salus Populi" Mother of God icon is unusually large: five feet high and three and a quarter feet wide. It is also filled with spiritual meaning: Mary's gaze, her handkerchief, her indigo maphorion (mantle), the way she holds the holy infant, his blessing hand, and closed gospel book. Perhaps over the next days we can ponder these things together - like going on a mini retreat!
But first: In 593, Pope Gregory prayed before the icon for the city of Rome which was suffering from the Black Plague. In 1571, Pope Pius V prayed for Rome during the naval Battle of Lepanto. In 1837 the icon was venerated during one of Italy's many Cholera Epidemics.
These historical events of healing and strength, and the icon's recent restoration, might help us further to focus our prayer for today. This Mother of God and her Child have assumed a stately pose. She is not down for the count before plague, cholera, naval battle or the polarizations which afflict us in our nation, or the many threats to populations and the planet itself today.
Might we take a moment to offer a prayer to the restored and regal Mary we encounter so clearly on the right. Ask her and her Son to help us to stay standing and not to crumble before the menace and threats: May we remain alert, confident and strong.
