Iconography
Icons of Mary
Mary of the Inclusive Love
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This wood (or stone) carving is present in all the parishes of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, and is full of symbolism.
Mary holds Jesus with open arms welcoming all who wish to draw near, both of them with a disarming smile. In the middle of the figure are two children; one holds a book symbolizing wisdom, the other plays the flute putting together art, music and tradition in praising God. In the lower part are three children; one child gives a hug of welcome, a sign of solidarity to include two other disabled children. One child is on a wheelchair holding a dove to represent peace and the other child uses a crutch and holds flowers; a sign of love and God’s greatest commandment--Love one another as I have loved you. The crutch and the wheelchair are like a sacrament that gives them back their dignity and makes communion between disable and non-disabled. The cloak of Our Lady which surrounds them all symbolizes the family we belong to in the church. We are all included under this cloak. We are all under the love of God. We are all creatures made as an image of God, the supreme master builder. At the bottom of the image are lotus flowers, the most emblematic flower in Cambodia as a symbol of glory, purity and holiness. |
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From 1790 - 1907, the province of Battambang as well the province of Serei Saophoan and Siem Reap was under Thai rule. At the time, the Thais drafted 100,000 Khmers from Battambang and took them to Bangkok as laborers to help with the construction of the city. Many Catholics were among their number and they took icons of their faith with them, like this statue. It was originally known as Mary of the Immaculate Conception. These Catholics settled in Bangkok and in time, built their own churches there. In 1993, after peace was mostly restored to Battambang, the community asked to bring back the statue of Mary but the request was not granted. Instead, a copy was made of the original statue. This icon is now venerated as the Our Lady of the Assumption in our parish. |
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
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Our Lady of Walsingham
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The twinship between the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang in Cambodia and the Diocese of East Anglia in the UK brought an exchange of icons. Our parish has been gifted with a carving of Our Lady of Walsingham, an icon of Mary which appeared to a devout English noblewoman in Walsingham, Norfolk, England in the 11th century. This icon is enshrined inside our parish. Available at the Arrupe Russey Shop are Cambodian artist's rendition of Our Lady of Walsingham, blending elements from the original icon and Cambodian Catholic traditions. |
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This is our newest addition to our collection of icons of Mary. This type of statue is often present in grottos or places of prayer in different countries of the world. Her presence in our church would hopefully familiarize the faithful and allow them to recognize different renditions of Our Mother as they encounter her elsewhere. |
Grotto Mary
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Icons of Jesus
The Cross of the Handicapped Christ
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The twinship between the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang in Cambodia and the Diocese of East Anglia in the UK brought an exchange of icons. Our parish has been gifted with a carving of Our Lady of Walsingham, an icon of Mary which appeared to a devout English noblewoman in Walsingham, Norfolk, England in the 11th century. This icon is enshrined inside our parish. Available at the Arrupe Russey Shop are Cambodian artist's rendition of Our Lady of Walsingham, blending elements from the original icon and Cambodian Catholic traditions. |
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A closer look at the cross in front of the altar reveals a Christ that has a slight smile etched into his face. This is the Cross of the Smiling Christ; Jesus smiles even as he suffers on the cross. The smile symbolizes that death is not the final statement of God. There is still the resurrection; and the triumph of life after death. |
The Cross of the Smiling Christ
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The Cross of the Resurrected Christ
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Hung on the wall of the main entrance of the church (opposite the altar) is the Cross of the Resurrected Christ. This cross shows the Christ which holds his palm out to show the nail marks on his hands, opened as a sign of mercy to those who have doubted him and done him wrong. The other hand is open in invitation, beckoning those who want to come closer. The image shows his victory over death and his welcome to those who would like to join him in eternal life thereafter. |
Matthew 25: 31-46 Bas Relief
This bas relief can be found near the main entrance of the Church compound and is meant to signify the passage in the bible about the Parable of Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46). It outlines the "law of charity" and what it takes to enter the Kingdom of God;
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:40
Matthew 25:40
What have you done for Christ today?
