The Ascension

Michael Galovic. 2014 Australia. Tempera and gold leaf on gessoed board, 90x120cm

The icon of the Ascension is an icon of the Church. It represents an ecclesiology that recognises the Church's fundamental Marian principle: that the Disciples of Christ assemble in all their giftedness around Mary, First disciple, who, like them, is centred on and enlivened by the Risen Christ.

Flanked by Peter at her right hand and Paul at her left, with John cloaked in Divine red on her far left, and James, the brother of the Lord, holding the Scriptures, the breadth and purpose of ecclesial life is held in unity in Mary. Discipleship and the full reign of Christ on earth and in heaven are the defining elements. Heaven has come to earth and earth has come to heaven.

The Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat has chosen this icon as its leitmotif. With Marcellin, they look to Mary, sharing in her work of bringing Christ-life to birth in themselves and in young people, and of nurturing the nascent Church as a family of Christ's disciples.