OUR LADY OF THE HOLY SOULS

Hearing that an icon for Our Lady of the Holy Souls parish did not exist inspired me to paint one.  I remembered when Monsignor Allen was given this small mission church by Bishop Fletcher.  The parish had the official name of “Our Lady of the Holy Souls in Purgatory.”  Later, the “In Purgatory” was dropped in favor of the shorter version that we now use:  “Our Lady of the Holy Souls.”

My parents were among the charter members of this new parish, and it seemed natural to me that they are included (in some way!) in the creation of this icon.  I always associated lighting a candle with a prayer for someone who had died … and could be in purgatory.  In addition, I always pictured Mary as someone who would intercede in obtaining Heaven for those faithful souls.

I painted Our Lady of the Holy Souls partitioned by the candles of intercession – of which there are twenty-four.  These represent the twenty-four grandchildren of my parents, with the one in Mary’s hand honoring Patty, who died.

The cross over Mary’s left shoulder should acknowledge that Christ opened the gates of Heaven for us by His death on the cross.

Mary is pictured holding the gates of purgatory open, thus freeing the souls to enter Heaven.

CAT #011 PC  Size 3 X 4