ASSOCIATION OF LAY CANOSSIANS
The figure of Jesus Christ occupies the dominant place in the
icon. In it, the signs of the passion are evident, but the face of Jesus
assumes the signs of joy in meeting with his Father.
The face of Christ tilts toward Mary in an attitude of humility.
The hands of Christ, in the icon, are in the form of a cross. They are held
on his breast as a sign of his total abandonment to the wish of his Father.
The hands of Christ and Mary meet at the center of the icon to represent
Christ and the Church. Mary, sign of the Church, sustains the figure of
Christ, who, at the same time makes himself be sustained. In this
attitude, the Church, supported by her beloved, feels loved, and
therefore, is able to love in return.
Mary, with her left hand, sustains Christ. It expresses the image of the
Church called to relieve the poor. Her right hand supports the hand of
Christ. She is the new Eve who gives life to the Son of God.