A Call for Peace

Their Message

We call for peace.
Protect the children,
​Protect life. 
​
​Find a new way.

From Margo

This painting of Mother Mary and Jesus came through in October 2023 during heartbreaking days in Gaza and Israel, in Haiti, in the United States, in Ukraine, and elsewhere. 

​I was invited to paint a Christmas image for the House of Grace Catholic Worker in Philadelphia and as I sat with the blank canvas wondering what image wanted to emerge during these troubled times, the words “Peace, protect the children” came to me, so I started by writing these words on the canvas.  Then I added layers of color and prayers for peace as I waited for what wanted to happen next.  Soon, I felt led to paint Mary’s face and it came very quickly, like she was waiting.  Her expression was so powerful I hardly touched it after the first strokes, not wanting to change it in any way.  Jesus emerged next and his innocence reminded me of the innocence of all children. 

​I realized early on that this image would be of Mary holding and protecting Jesus and that they both wanted to look straight at me, into my eyes, and into the eyes of every viewer with urgency, strength, and hope.  The title of the painting carries their message, “A Call for Peace”.