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Vision and Spirit: A Marianist Tradition
By Kayla Harris
A series of nine ceramic artworks in the Marian Library collection portray several events of Mary’s life which are sources of inspiration for the Marianist family. The bas-reliefs, a type of art where the shapes stand out against a flat background, were commissioned by Spanish Marianists to commemorate the September 3, 2000, beatification of Father William Joseph Chaminade (1761-1850), co-founder of the Marianist family. Created by Spanish artist Antonio de Oteiza, they are a visual expression of vision and spirit coming together in the Marianist tradition.
Father Johann G. Roten, S.M., scholar in residence with the International Marian Research Institute and former Director of the International Marian Research Institute and Marian Library, authored reflections on each of the pieces, and their symbolism for the Marianists. A few of these reflections follow.
‘Do Whatever He Tells You’ (John 2:5)
These words pronounced by Mary at the wedding feast at Cana were addressed to the servers when the wine ran short, and Jesus seemed less than concerned by the predicament of the newlyweds. Mary’s words speak of patience and perseverance, of hope and joyful commitment. Mary’s word is a word of confident faith. Chaminade uses this same expression, one of confident faith, to designate the vision and scope of the Marianist apostolic mission. What should the members of the Marianist Family do to further the Kingdom of God? The answer is, “Do whatever he tells us.” Mary’s posture and gesture speak of intense determination. She will always be a mediator.
‘Behold Your Son’ (John 19:27)
Standing at the foot of the cross are the tiny broken figures of Mary and the beloved disciple. The face of Christ is formless. Pain and disfigurement are excruciating. At this truly crucial moment, Jesus entrusts the beloved disciple to His mother. With this gesture He inaugurated the Church, His Church and followers.
Now Christ’s work is accomplished, but it needs to be announced and made visible by His disciples. Mary plays the role of the mother who points the way to her Son, and opens the heart of the disciple to the Spirit of her Son. Chaminade was convinced that we need to be formed by Mary in the Spirit of her Son.
The Three O’Clock Prayer (John 19:27-30)
The upper half of the bas-relief establishes the connection between the Three O’Clock Prayer and the crucifixion scene. The huddled figures on the lower half represent Mary and St. John, and all those who “gathered in spirit at the foot of the cross” to commemorate Christ’s death.
The Three O’Clock Prayer is a verbal icon of the Marianist spirit. Simple and unassuming as may be, this prayer not only captures the deepest memories of the Christian faith, but it also conveys the particular spirit that continues to inspire the members of the Family of Mary. It recalls the death of Jesus Christ as it is rendered in John 19:27-30. Daily the Marianists pause at 3:00 p.m. to recall their alliance with Jesus and Mary.
Read and Reflect on Marianist Spirituality
Learn about the other ceramics in the series, combined with Roten’s reflections, in the free publication Vision and Spirit: A Marianist Tradition.
— Kayla Harris is an associate professor in the University Libraries and the director of the Marian Library.