On this Feast, four years ago, I had the privilege of celebrating my first public Solemn Mass (following the COVID lockdown), at St. James’. For this reason especially, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary holds an important role in my life, even more so than the commemoration of the saints associated with my ordinations.
The commemorative card I designed for that Mass has on it an image known as ‘The Inexhaustible Chalice” – based on a 19th Century Russian icon of which there have been many versions and copies made. On it, Mary is shown with her arms outstretched in ‘orans’ position (the gesture priests make when celebrating the Mass) and in front of her is a chalice, with the Christ child inside, blessing the viewer.
It is a powerful image, and one which speaks deeply to me as a woman who didn’t grow up with examples of women in priestly roles. Having comparatively few traditional models of what that should look like, I was drawn to this image of Mary as priest – in essence, the first Christian priest – offering her Divine child as the altar sacrifice for the blessing of many. What better role model for me to emulate than Our Lady, the Mother of us all?
Intriguingly, the original icon has also been associated with miracles of healing for those who suffer from alcoholism, drug abuse and other forms of addiction. Again, what more perfect image could there be for the beginning of my priestly ministry in the DTES?
On this very special Feast of our Lady, I give thanks anew for the blessing of being a priest here. I give thanks for that first celebration of the Mass, and every one since then. I give thanks for the colleagues whom I have had the joy of sharing ministry with, and for the many, many blessed souls of this parish whom I have had the privilege of loving and serving for these five years.
Mary, Mother of God, pray with us and for us, now and always. Amen.
Mother Amanda