“Mary Ponders Tenderly” is our original handwritten Catholic icon. Across Christendom, many also refer to this image as “Mother of Mercy,” “Joy of All Joys,” and “Virgin of Extreme Humility.” Most notably, the faithful recognize it as the Pskov Caves Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God, named “Tenderness” in 1542. Because of this rich tradition, the Church honors her as the Patroness of all humanity, as well as of mothers, women in childbirth, and travelers.
We intentionally inscribe the Greek letters ΜΡ ΘΥ (short for ΜΗΤΗΡ ΘΕΟΥ, meaning “Mother of God”) on the upper left and right of the Virgin Mary’s head. We also include three stars upon her robe to symbolize her perpetual virginity and the Holy Trinity. In this depiction, we portray Our Lady with downcast eyes and arms crossed, clearly expressing humility and silent prayer to her Son.
Tradition consistently associates the color blue with Mary. Historically, blue was a rare and precious color to signify royalty, reinforcing her status as Queen of Heaven. For this reason, we use a blue mantle in our icon to represent her role as the Mother of God and the Mother of humanity.
We also depict Mary in a red robe to represent her sacrifice and divine love. By placing her blue mantle over the red garment, we show her human nature (red) being covered by God (blue). Finally, we include a white veil to emphasize Mary’s sanctity, righteousness, purity, holiness, and the presence of God.
