The painting by Sister Bianca Gaudiano (Sisters of St Dorothy) seems to hint at the theme of faithfulness with the mysterious addition of three visitors in the left background. That, and the green roof over Mary's head, suggests the story of Abraham and the promise he received under the terebinth of Mamre: a son would be born, despite the impossibility suggested by Sarai's barrenness and advanced age. "Abraham
believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
On this Solemnity of the Presentation of the Lord, the 40th day after Christmas (and traditionally the end of the Christmas season), two figures join us in contemplating Mary's "yes." Simeon and Anna, grown old in waiting for the promises of the Lord to be fulfilled, witness God's faithfulness. Blessed are they who believed!
This Annunciation scene is part of a series of miniatures in the parlor of the Sisters of St Dorothy convent in Rome.
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