Archdiocese encouraged to turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary in nine-year novena preparing for the 2000th anniversary of our salvation
As the curtain fell on Ordinary Time and the Church prepared for the solemn start of the season of Lent, a different curtain was lowered to reveal the Archdiocese of Denver’s newest icon on Tuesday.
Dozens gathered at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center for the simple unveiling ceremony with Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and Elizabeth Zelasko, a local sacred artist and Denver Catholic columnist who wrote the new icon.
Entitled “Mary at the Foot of the Cross,” the newly unveiled depiction of the Blessed Mother standing on Mount Calvary aims to direct the faithful’s prayer in a multi-year novena as the global Church prepares for the Great Jubilee of our Salvation in 2033 — 2,000 years since the Crucifixion, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, traditionally said to have occurred in the year 33 A.D.
“For the next nine years, as we journey to 2033, we will be reminded year in and year out what it means for us to give ourselves as disciples, as Mary gave herself,” the archbishop said to those gathered for the simple unveiling ceremony, noting that the Blessed Virgin Mary is the perfect example and intercessor for this period of spiritual growth.
“She trusted deeply in the Word of God. When she hears the word spoken to her by the angel at the Annunciation, she surrenders to that word. She, in her consent, says, ‘Let it be done according to your word.’ So, she is putting the Word of God first within her life by hearing it and by living it. And she offers herself completely,” he continued.
The fruit of many months of prayer, discernment and planning, the unveiling ceremony came ahead of Archbishop Aquila’s newest Pastoral Note, “Standing with Mary at the Foot of the Cross,” which was released Wednesday. In it, he announced the nine-year novena, which began last year with his leadership team, along with the icon.
“It’s such a joy to arrive at this point where we’re unveiling the icon,” said Dr. Scott Elmer, Chief Mission Officer for the Archdiocese of Denver. “It’s our hope that it will bring about a great start to Lent and help us keep our eyes fixed not only on this Easter, but also the Easter in 2033 when we will celebrate 2,000 years since the Crucifixion, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
“It’s a really beautiful opportunity to pray for our community here, a community that I’m a part of so specifically, at the foot of the Cross,” said Zelasko. “Please know that special prayers were said for each of you individually as I was working on this image.”
At the foot of the Cross with Mary, looking up at her likeness standing in the shadow of our salvation, those gathered couldn’t help but be struck by the image’s beauty and its relevance for our times.
"The icon is magnificent! I am awe-struck by its beauty. It is far more lovely than I could have even anticipated it would be. I'm grateful for such a precious gift! What a blessing!" said Kateri Joda Williams, archdiocesan director of Black Catholic Ministry.
“It’s a really powerful icon that can communicate Truth, which is what icons are supposed to do,” said Forest Barnette, project coordinator for the archdiocesan Office of Catholic Schools. “It feels like everything is kind of hitting a wall right now in the whole world. This icon is a reminder that, just like the moment of Christ’s death seemed like a moment of absolute despair and loss but was undergirded by hope, Mary at the foot of the Cross and her son Jesus are right there, guiding us to our salvation. It’s really lovely to have that reminder right here, and for it to be so beautifully done.”
“When you look at the icon, you are immediately drawn into prayer. Every corner of it feels so incredibly intentional, from the angels flanking Mary so she is not alone to the XC in the bones at the bottom. I can't help but think of how intentionally God created each one of us in this same way,” Cecilia Dietzler, archdiocesan evangelization specialist, shared, reflecting on the icon’s depth and beauty.
As she saw the newly unveiled icon and considered the ambitious novena, Dietzler found herself wondering what miracles — big and small — the Lord might bring about in her life and ours over the next nine years.
“Nine years feels like a lifetime away, how much work will the Lord do on my heart between now and then? What meaningful symbols will he write into these next years of my life, what around me will hold new meaning?” she shared.
Indeed, the nearly decade-long spiritual initiative will have a profound impact on hearts and souls across Northern Colorado as the faithful turn towards Mary at the Foot of the Cross, receiving her Son and her ever more deeply.
“Over the next nine years, we want to grow not only in discipleship, but more importantly in that deep trust in the promises and in the Word of God, and in our love for that Word,” Archbishop Aquila concluded.
