March 23, 2025 - Third Sunday of Lent

Artist Sister Mary of the Compassion, OP (1908-1977)

Immaculate Conception Seminary here at Seton Hall is home to several paintings and sketches from artist Sr. Mary of the Compassion, O.P.  The painting we have chosen for this Third Sunday and Week of Lent is the Annunciation that is displayed on the second floor of the Seminary near the Seminary chapel.  

When I was a seminarian here at ICS, this painting would always greet me as I walked in the direction of the hallway to where my room was. I always liked this painting because it depicted the traditional artistic setting of Mary’s Annunciation from the Archangel Gabriel so well. Mary is at home, in a seated position, meditating. But what is impressive about this work is that Mary is not so much as surprised by the angel’s visit and greeting, but more welcoming and inviting with a smile on her face. Mary stops what she is doing, looks up and invites God and His messenger into her life. It was a reminder to me to do the same in my life at that moment.

The colors are bright and bold with blues, reds, and a hint of purple in the flowers near the Angel Gabriel. The blues in the painting remind me of where Sr. Compassion prayed in the “Blue Chapel” of her monastery where she lived in Union City, New Jersey. For me, this painting was inviting and welcoming, as I would pass it to go to a welcoming space in my room here in South Orange. 

It may seem strange to display a painting associated more with Advent and Christmas than with Lent and Easter, but during this Third Week of Lent we will celebrate on March 25 the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Mary plays a central role in Jesus’ redemptive act of Love for us, and it begins here at the Annunciation and will continue to the cross and tomb of her Son and to the joy of His Resurrection. 

The First reading for this Third Sunday of Lent is taken from the Book of Exodus, where Moses encounters God in the Burning Bush. God called out to Moses from the bush, “Moses, Moses.” He answered, “Here I Am.” God responds, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for this is holy ground.” Moses responds “yes” to the Lord and to the mission God has in store for him. Mary does the same in the Annunciation—she responds yes to the Lord and her mission as the mother of the Redeemer.  

How do we respond to the Lord, to His requests to us? Can we drink of the Cup He gives us at times of joy and suffering? May Mary and Moses inspire us to respond positively to the Lord in many wonderful and inviting ways this week.  

O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness, who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving have shown us a remedy for sin, look graciously on this confession of our lowliness, that we, who are bowed down by our conscience, may always be lifted up by your mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. (Roman Missal)

Rev. Dominic Ciriaco, Director of Preaching as Hospitality Formation Program

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