Vincentian Icons -
Vincentian Family Shrine - St. Peter's


On the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul, 27th September 1999, three newly commissioned Vincentian icons were unveiled for veneration in St. Peter's Church.  They present the central figures in the Vincentian family, St. Vincent, St. Louise and Blessed Frederic Ozanam.  They were written by Fearghal O'Farrell and are accompanied here by his own comments.  

The saints, Vincent, Louise and Blessed Frederic are all shown seeking to communicate directly to us as we view them.  They not only look out directly to us.  They also reach out.  One of the Vincentian traditions is that of reaching out and engaging with people.  The icons present the double Vincentian tradition of contemplation and mission.  The faces while based on well known portraits are portrayed in the spiritual manner of the icons.  They are painted from dark to light - the spiritual life of the Spirit shines through their faces.  It is the Christ, the light of the world who is the guiding force in all their works and who speaks to us as we venerate them.  Yet each of them is shown engaged in charitable missionary work.  Thus Vincent is bringing food, loaves of bread, Louise is bringing towels and water to care for the sick and Frederic is bringing clothing.  These parts of the icons are painted in a more naturalistic manner as befits the practical implication of the act and the spirit of mission involved.  Thus each seeks to inspire us to listen to Christ, to see him in all whom we meet and to express his love in whatever way he calls.  

Fearghal O'Farrell.  
Iconographer

Copyright © 2001 St. Peter's Phibsboro, Dublin 7.

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