Our mother of the inclusive Love
This wood (or stone) carving is present in all the parishes of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, Cambodia, and is full of symbolism.
Mary is holding Jesus who is with open arms welcoming all who wish to draw near. Both of them with a disarming smile under the warm cloak of loving kindness.
In the middle of the figure, there are two children. One of them holds a book symbolizing wisdom, the necessity of being able to discern between right and wrong. The other one is playing the flute putting together art, music and tradition for praising God.
In the lower part we have three children. There is a child giving a hug of welcoming, sign of solidarity, and including two other disabled children. We are all under the love of God. One of them is on a wheelchair holding a dove representing peace and the other uses a crutch and is holding a bunch of flowers, the sign of love, God’s greatest commandment – Love one another as I have loved you. The crutch and the wheelchair are like a sacrament that gives them back their dignity and makes communion between disable and non disabled.
The cloak of our lady is an image of the family we all belong to; the church. We are all included under this cloak.
In the bottom, there are lotus flowers. The lotus flower is the most emblematic flower in Cambodia, a symbol of glory, purity and holiness.
All these wooden statues are carved by disabled Cambodian artists; this also shows that we can all help each other in bringing the love of God that Jesusbrings to our Iives, no matter our condition.
We are all creatures made as an image of God, the supreme master builder.
Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang www.battambang.net