THE Vatican has released the official image for the upcoming World Meeting of Families, produced by renowned Jesuit artist Father Marko Rupnik and dedicated to the Wedding at Cana.
The striking image is reminiscent of the mosaic works and painted panels of glass that Slovenian Fr Rupnik produced for Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Springfield Lakes in the Brisbane archdiocese.
Fr Rupnik’s mural wall behind the sanctuary in the Springfield Lakes church also depicts the Wedding of Cana.
Parish priest, Fr Mauro Conte travelled to Europe to convince Fr Rupnik to produce the unique artwork for the Springfield church as it was about to be built, including unique mosaics, and glass panels depicting nine scenes from the life of Mary.
Fr Rupnik is known for his bold, colourful icons featured in churches and sacred spaces around the world.
The eagerly awaited 10th World Meeting of Families will take place in Rome from June 22 to June 26, 2022, after the event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The meaning behind Fr Rupnik’s official image for the world meeting is described as: “Sacramental love between a man and a woman is a reflection of the indissoluble love and unity between Christ and the Church: Jesus sheds His blood for Her.”
The work is entitled, “This Mystery is Great” (taken from St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, 5:32).
It portrays the Wedding at Cana, with the bride and groom in the background on the left, covered by a veil.
Jesus and Mary are seen united, at the moment when Mary tells her Son, “They have no more wine.”
In the foreground is the steward, with the face of St Paul as portrayed in classical iconography.
It is St Paul “who removes the veil with his hand, and referring to the wedding, exclaims, “This mystery is great; but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church!”.
The 10th World Meeting of Families follows an unprecedented formula, being presented as a “multi-centred and widespread” dimension.
Rome will be the main venue, but on the days of the worldwide Church event, every diocese will be able to promote a local meeting for its own families and communities. Every family in the world can take part.
Pope Francis has emphasised that “everyone will be able to participate, even those who cannot come to Rome.”
