Mary Ponders Tenderly

Transcendentia’s original Catholic Icon “Mary Ponders Tenderly” is known throughout Christendom and carries other titles such as “Mother of Mercy”, “Joy of All Joys”, “Virgin of Extreme Humility”, and most notably as the Pskov Caves Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God, named the “Tenderness” in 1542. The Greek letters ΜΡ ΘΥ (short for ΜΗΤΗΡ ΘΕΟΥ, “Mother of God”) are inscribed on the upper left and right of the head of the Virgin Mary. The stars upon her robe symbolize her perpetual virginity as well as the Holy Trinity. Our Lady is depicted with downcast eyes and arms crossed, an example of humility and silent prayer to her Son.