April 6, 2025 - Fifth Sunday of Lent

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

Dame Julian of Norwich (1343-1416) was a Medieval English anchoress and mystic who is well known for her book Revelations of Divine Love that continues to inspire people today. Her famous phrase from her book has become a mantra for many states, “And All Shall Be Well, and All Manner of Things Shall Be Well.” This has brought comfort and consolation to many over the centuries, and even today one can find this quote displayed on signs and posters in many venues.

Sr. Mary of the Compassion, OP, was influenced by St. Julian of Norwich through her spiritual reading of her works and the connection she had with her from her home country of England. It is the title of the art piece displayed here for the 5th Sunday of Lent. It is an ode to Dame Julian. The piece was created in 1960 and is a lithograph work—a form of print and type of printing process during which original works of art can be printed and reproduced. They can resemble older types of prints, etchings, engravings, and wood cuts. Some can look like actual paintings on a canvas. 

Depicted here is Christ with arms outstretched with a loving embrace. He is rather large in relation to the person kneeling in front of Him, with their back turned towards the viewer of the work. One can see why Sr. Compassion named this lithograph after Julian of Norwich’s famous phrase, because it depicts so strikingly that “All Will Be Well!” It is a great image for Lent to reflect on and see where in our lives are we seeking the embrace of Christ. Where do we need to hear these words that “All Will Be Well” for us in our spiritual lives? 

Even more so, this art piece and message fits in so well with today’s Gospel reading, with the woman caught in adultery and made to stand in the center of the square surrounded by the Pharisees and scribes who are ready to stone her to death as a punishment for her actions. They test Jesus to see how he will respond. “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” He says, and one by one they walk away. Jesus does not condemn her but instructs her to repent. In a way, He is telling her that “All Will Be Well.”  

When have I been accused or have been guilty of something? 

When have I accused others or made others feel guilty? 

How does this lithograph speak to me at this moment? 

When we drink of the Cup Christ asks us to drink from, do we realize that All Will be Well? 

By your help, we beseech you, Lord our God, may we walk eagerly in that same charity with which, out of love for the world, your Son handed himself over to death. 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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