SS. Joachim and Anne:

Kiss at the gate

     As with Abraham and Sarah, the Lord waited until Joachim & Anne were old and beyond child-bearing years so that they would know that the child they conceived was not from their efforts but from God’s.  Their only daughter, Mary, would be the Immaculate Conception and The Very Glorious Mother of God – The Theotokos in Greek.

     Saints Joachim and Anne are the patron saints and powerful intercessors of married and engaged couples, of grandparents and couples struggling with infertility.

    St. John, the evangelist declares, “God is Love”.  From the marriage liturgy we hear, “the very meaning of life is found in the giving and receiving of love.  Love is man’s origin.  Love his constant calling.  Love his fulfillment in heaven”.

Icon by Maria G. Diaz

11”x 21” acrylic, gesso-relief & gold leaf on wood

e-mail at iconsbymaria@yahoo.com

AD MAJOREM DEI  GLORIAM

       The Artist:

            Maria Diaz is a well known iconographer whose beautiful icons can be found in 

            churches throughout the valley.  From small icons, to larger murals, she shares

            her talents with the Diocese of Phoenix and works full time in the Office of Natural

            Family Planning.  If you have a question or would like to commision an icon she

            can be contacted at iconsbymaria@yahoo.com

It is the task of the iconographer to open our eyes to the actual presence of the Kingdom in the world and to remind us that though we see nothing of its splendid liturgy, we are, if we believe in Christ the redeemer, In fact living and worshipping as “fellow citizens of the angels and saints, built upon the chief cornerstone with Christ.” Art &Worship  –T. Merton

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