This icon is “based on a fifteenth century Greek prototype; here Christ is shown in Latin Rite vestments with a gold pelican over His heart, the ancient symbol of self-sacrifice. The borders contain a windig grapevine and altar prepared for the celebration of the liturgy of the Mass; in the borders are smaller icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.” Incidentally, it is St. John Vianney whom Pope Benedict XVI, with the announcement of this special year, has declared the Universal Patron of Priests. Czarnecki, the artist, explains: “I wrote the icon about seven years ago [for seminarians and priests] to be able to see Christ in themselves, and themselves in Christ. We often hear that the icon is called a window; in this case, it’s also meant to be a mirror.”
The Good Shepherd reminds the priest that he is to “lay down his life for his sheep.”
+ + +
The "Year for Priests" was formally initiated by Pope Benedict XVI on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart this past June 19 and will conclude in 2010, on June 19.
+ + +
Pray for priests.
