The Church of the Apostles


This Painting of Mary, Help of Christians was conceived by Don Bosco in 1868.

"The Virgin standing out in a sea of light and majesty, surrounded by a horde of angels paying homage as if to their queen. With her right hand, she holds the sceptre, the symbol of her power, and with the left, the child with its arms open wide, offering its grace and mercy to those appealing to the majesty of his mother.

Around and below them are the Apostles and the Evangelists in a state of sweet ecstasy, almost exclaiming: 'Regina Apostolorum, ora pro nobis' (Queen of Apostles, pray for us), they contemplate the Holy Virgin in amazement."

According to Don Bosco's description, the painting is an effective portrayal of the title: "Mary, Mother of the Church"

(From Bottom to Top -Anti-clockwise)

 

1. St. Peter, the Apostle holds "the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven" as promised by Jesus.

2. St. Mark the Evangelist. His symbol is the Lion.

3. St. John the Apostle, Evangelist; the Beloved Disciple. The Eagle is his symbol.

4. St. Batholomew, Apostle holding an axe the symbol of his martyrdom.

5. St. Thomas, the Apostle of India was killed by a lance.

6. St. Simon, Apostle, the fish is his symbol.

7. St. Matthias, Apostle, was stoned to death.

8. St. Jude Thaddeus, Apostle, was beheaded and holds a sword.

9. St. James Minor, Apostle relative of Jesus was clubbed to death.

10. St. Andrew, Apostle, brother of Peter, was crucified.

11. St. Philip, Apostle, died as Jesus, crucified.

12. St. James the Great, brother of John, patron of pilgrims, is dressed as a pilgrim.

13. St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. Author of the first Gospel.

14. St. Paul, Apostle and Doctor of the Church.

15. St. Luke the Evangelist. His symbol is an Ox.

 X. The Oratory as it was in the times of Don Bosco

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