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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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OYA Marian Icon

The Marian Icon was a gift from the parents of OYA. It was presented to the National Co-ordinators on 10 May 2008 at Pentecost Mass and blessed by the Australian Oblate Provincial, Fr Harry Dyer. It will be a lasting legacy for Oblate Youth Australia; a symbol of protection and faith.

Description of the Icon:

In this icon, Mary is clothed in gold, the colour of eternal life and the unfading light emerging from the dark. In her halo is a crown of stars, including the Southern Cross and beneath her feet a crescent moon and a serpent, indicating her role as the new Eve. Above Mary are two small crests which indicate in Greek that Mary is the Mother of God – Theotokos.

Mary has received Christ through her “yes” to God and she is pregnant in the icon. She is also encouraging us to share the Christ we have received with others. The banner is inspired by the Oblate Constitutions and Rules. Mary’s hands are crucial in this icon as she is welcoming Christ and requesting we be sent as missionaries.

St Eugene de Mazenod experienced Mary as ‘smiling’ on him during his difficult times and the icon has reflected this through her compassionate face.

The icon makes use of Aboriginal earth lines indicating the journey that we are on.

A Prayer of Consecration to Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians

Mary, you are the mother of Jesus, our Lord. He gave you, while on the cross, to be our Mother. You are Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians. You were created full of grace by God, our loving Father. The Holy Spirit has made you the greatest of Saints.

Your "yes" to God's Word teaches us how to receive the power of His Spirit. Your presence in the upper room inspired the first disciples to trust completely in the promise of the risen Christ:"You will receive power when the Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witneses." (Acts 1:8)

I now consecrate myself entirely to your Immaculate Heart and through it to the Sacred Heart of Jesus your Son so that I might be a witness to Jesus in the power of His Spirit.

Come Holy Spirit! Renew in us the graces of our Baptism. Pour out in abundance your gifts given in Confirmation, when the voice of the Father reaffirmed our original vocation "You are my beloved Son." "You are my beloved daughter."

Provide a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit in us that we might be completely seized by God, who is love. Mary, teach us to be attentive to the voice of God in silence, and to live lives of service in truth, joy and peace. Totus Tuus. I am all yours. Amen.
Copyright 2012 OMI Australia