Description
Catholic Icon Pendant Divine Mercy and Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, from Dona Dei | Sacred Jewelry Materials: Sterling Silver (925 grade), Blackening Average weight: about 0.28 oz / 8 grams Size: 1.46 x 0.79 in / 37 x 20 mm (including the bail) Technique: casting, gilding, blackening, handmade. This icon pendant is hand-made by Dona Dei Ltd., ...Lithuania, Europe Union. Symbolism and application of the icon pendant This is a very nice pendant. On one side you can see the image of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn. It is done according to the prominent Catholic painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary venerated by the faithful in the Chapel of the Gate of Dawn in Vilnius, Lithuania. The painting was historically displayed above the Vilnius city gate. The painting is in the Northern Renaissance style and was completed most likely around 1630. The Virgin Mary is depicted without the infant Jesus. The artwork soon became known as miraculous and inspired a following. A dedicated chapel was built in 1671 by the Discalced Carmelites. At the same time, possibly borrowing from the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the painting was covered in expensive and elaborate silver and gold clothes leaving only the face and hands visible. The tradition to decorate paintings with clothes or revetment (Riza) of precious metals may have been borrowed from Eastern Orthodoxy. The flowers are references to Hortus conclusus (enclosed garden), and a symbol of Mary's virginity and purity. The circle of stars represents the immaculate conception. The crescent goes well with the silver cloth, adding additional parallels with the Woman of the Apocalypse, described in the Book of Revelation as "a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" There are many miracles attributed to this wonderful painting. It punished Swedish soldiers, subdued the city fire, and it is especially famous for its healing power. The origin of the painting is not known. It could have been painted around 1630-50. There is a widespread theory that the painting was commissioned by King of Poland Sigismund II Augustus and depicted his wife Barbara Radziwiłł. This place is highly venerated by Catholics from all over the world. On the other side, you can see the image of Jesus Christ, done according to the famous painting of Merciful Jesus, popularly known as the Image of Divine Mercy, painted in 1934 by Eugene Kazimierowski according to the visions of Sister Faustina. St. Faustina experienced the first revelation of the Merciful Savior on 22 February 1931 in Płock, Poland. At that time, she had made her first vows as one of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. In 1933, having professed her perpetual vows, she was directed by her superior to go to the convent house in Vilnius, where she lived until 1936. It was in Vilnius where she had more visions of Jesus, guided the painting of the image, and received from our Lord the message of His divine mercy for the world. In his painting, Kazimierowski depicted Jesus in the way Sister Faustina saw Him in her visions. His right hand lifted to bless those who look upon Him and clothed with a white tunic, the Savior seems to say, "Peace be with you". With His left hand, Jesus touches His breast - His Sacred Heart - wherefrom two rays spring forth, one pale, the other red. The pale ray symbolizes water cleansing the soul; the red symbolizes blood, the life of the spirit. Together, these rays shelter souls from the righteous anger of our Heavenly Father, just as they did 2,000 years ago as blood and water flowed out from Jesus' pierced side when He offered Himself on the cross to the Father in our place, in atonement for our sins. Beneath there are the words (in Latin), which mean: "Jesus, I trust in you". This pendant could be a nice present to any Christian believer. Why should you buy this item? • The pendant is made with great love and attention to every detail; • The image of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn is widely known for its healing power; • The Image of Divine Mercy is highly venerated, its copies can be seen in every catholic church, and the original is kept in Vilnius, in the Shrine of Divine Mercy. Need further information? If you have any questions, please, do not hesitate to contact me, I'll be glad to answer them.
