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 *MARY - 1st CENTURY ICON*
carbon dated first century - author believed to be St Luke


 ~*FIRST*CENTURY*EYES*
I first saw this ancient icon on the internet in May, during the 100th anniversary of Fatima (1917 - 2017).  She captured me like no other icon of Mary I had ever seen. IT WAS HER EYES ... I began to pray  ... yet ... sensed I was not called to pray ... but to listen ...
WHAT IS SHE SAYING TO YOU?
 what is she saying to your heart?
 ... but to listen to what she has to say ....her nourishing eyes captured my heart, as if living windows into the eternal now  ... ADVOCATA NOSTRA

 
 
 ... something was different, but what? I learned the dry pigments were mixed with hot beeswax (other methods unknown). It was carbon dated as first century and 'written' by St. Luke.  (Icons are not formed by human hands)  ... let's go back ... what is she saying to us/you in these deeply troubled times?

 
 
FIRST C EYES   -   NAME   -   HISTORY   -  GOLDEN HANDS
  - LOCATION    -   MORE LINKS  -  MARY SPEAKS
 *'ADVOCATA*NOSTRA'*
MERGING INFORMATION
The information you see below is a mix of what was recently learned about this exquisite first century icon of Mary plus information collected over  50+ years of being a published liturgical artist and studying early icons.  Please enjoy what we have discovered about 'Advocata Nostra' (Our Advocate).
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just learning
OUR ADVOCATE
  We know more now as have access to more information and history through the media.  Did notice a gaping period in time but thought it was just a matter of a developing the Byzantine style. Also knew many icons of Mary were believed written by St. Luke at the request of the apostles.(?) Were these "St Luke' icons inspired by this original first century icon by Luke and identified as such by using his name? And ---  were many icons still hidden for fear of destruction?
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destruction of icons
ICONOCLASTIC CONTROVERSY
Nor do I remember hearing about the "Iconoclastic Controversy"-  (726 AD, Leo III published an edict declaring icons were idols and not to be worshipped, THEY WERE TO BE DESTROYED),  making information about this First Century icon, along with others, very, very hard to find. People who loved the icons were trying to save them from destruction by hiding them.. This went on for centuries and some are still being found and recorded today.
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 icons and statues
ANCIENT TEACHING AIDS
I knew and understood these ancient images and statues were looked upon as teaching aids for the early faithful in lieu of media, photos, internet, etc. we have today. Tour guides confirm this visual teaching aid theory in the ancient European churches today. Makes total sense. Remember too, few people could read.
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1st century 
CARBON DATING
PAINTING TECHNIQUES
CARBON DATING: may be done on the foundation wood surface of the icon along with pigments and binding agents. (during the last restoration in the 1950s it was shard that the wood had deteriorated badly.) 
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PAINTING TECHNIQUES: The dry pigments (colors) used, help date along with hot beeswax binding agents. This ancient technique, well over 2000 years old, is called encaustics (“Enkaustikos” Greek  for “to burn in.”) is applied on a treated wood base. Binding agents such as Egg (yolk) tempra (400s on), linseed and other various oils, through 1400s allowed for a more pliable canvas base. Today we use acrylic polymers on most surfaces.
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1st century
IMAGES MORE NATURAL
If you check the internet you will notice the images of that first century period were much more natural looking as is this one. It was traditional then to paint a 'funeral' image of the person that would look like the person (not stylized as we see in later Byzantine icons. (also note  the earlier ancient stylized period of Egyptian art). 
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part of the title?
 ICONS CARRYING -  "BY ST. LUKE"
The more I searched out information regarding the ancient 1st century icon, the more I saw the similarity in design under the influence of Byzantine Icon era -  given credit to Luke. It appeared it became more of, an honorable title carried over, given to the later icons - possibly identifying original source of inspiration of the first century icon by St Luke after the resurrection of Christ. 
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ADDING BABY JESUS AND STARS
Baby Jesus was added to some as some hands changed position, some did not. Dark Garments including symbols of the times such as the 3 stars representing "A VIRGIN:, *before, *during, *after" And some reversed her facing right instead of left as in a mirror image ...
 *HISTORY:*'ADVOCATA NOSTRA'*
Mary's wooden table
BUILT BY HER SON JESUS?
 Origin of the wood the Icon was written on?   Was it  Marys wooden table built by her son, Jesus?  In the process of searching for information there were/are still conflicting reports by various art historians over the centuries - yet -  remember, tradition reminds us her wooden table was available as was luke and the apostles. 

And we know encaustics are used to prepare, to treat wooden surfaces. All signs point to the carbon dating of this icon as being from the first century and tradition tells us it is the original icon 'written' traditionally by St. Luke as requested by the apostles all who were present.  Known to be started by St. Luke yet musteriously finished by "unknown human hands"., (Sacred Icons are known not to be "written by human hands") 
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FOLLOWING ITS PATH
It was written after the resurrection of Christ, traceable to Jerusalem then history points out it was taken to Ephesus (John 19: 25-27), from Western Turkey, to Constantinople (possibly when the Muslem Conquests begain in 638.  From there it was eventually brought to Rome where it is now at the CHURCH OF ST. MARY OF THE ROSARY. 

 ICONS BELOW 
SHARE INTERESTING HISTORY
LEFT: Note black/white image below, how upper corners, appear to be ripped wood from wood?  possibly when quickly torn away from larger (wooden table) . Possibly in a rush to save when icons were to be destroyed as considered  'Idol worship' (under Emperor Leo III (r. 726-41)
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CENTER: Restored First Century Icon  as seen today (without golden hands). but found traces of gold added to the hands of original restoration..
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RIGHT example of how the 1st century icon influenced so many of the Madonna's that followed. Notice, face is harsher than original. (dated 400s and on beachwood) You will also note over the centuries icons added baby, often 'mirror imaged' but inspired by the 1st century icon. This icon, Madonna Advocata is in Rome at S. Maria in Avacoeli.
 Remember, the apostles wanted Luke to paint a picture of her after the resurrection of Jesus ... It is documented, when he 'wrote' the outline the image of the icon on the wooden base (table top ?), the image we see now of 'Advocata Nostra', suddenly appeared. (icons - not by human hands). Note hands point upward in traditional form of prayer as still seen in early catacombs (Priscilla).

PLEASE REMEMBER SO LITTLE IS KNOWN ABOUT
 THIS FIRST CENTURY ICON, YOU WILL REVIEW MANY NEWER CONFLICTING 
REPORTS  BUT BELIEVE THESE ABOVE AND BELOW
ARE VERY DEPENDABLE
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 *GOLDEN*HANDS*
Why called 
"MADONNA OF 
THE GOLDEN HANDS?" 

ANCIENT GREEK HISTORY tells us that in the pre Byzantium period, it was believed that a persons right hand held special powers, therefore golden hands . Seen as hands  of 'calming', 'healing' and may have been added then ?) 
 MADONNA OF SAN SISTO
Did the original icon have golden hands? Or were they added at an earlier restoration? During an later restoration they speak of  a thin sheet of gold foil fragments on her hand. Eventually both hands were  gilded and the image became known as the "Madonna with Golden Hands". (Madonna of San Sisto in Rome)
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Before the most recent restoration of image (1950s) traces of the two golden hands could still be seen, as the picture shows. The Madonna with Golden Hands. Today this is what we see. 
 *LOCATION of'ADVOCATA'*
 The Madonna of San Sisto
ROME: CONVENT OF DOMINICAN SISTERS
"Advocata Nostra, (also known as The Madonna of San Sistois) may now be seen at the Dominican Sisters Convent C hurch of Santa Maria del Rosario on Monte Mario in Rome.  (CHURCH OF ST MARY OF THE ROSARY)
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This icon can be traced back to its origin in Jerusalem, where tradition has it that it was painted by St Luke after the Resurrection, at the request of the apostles. But the tradition also states that after St Luke had sketched the outline, the image of Our Lady appeared on it (some say by angels). No human hand was involved."
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*MARY*IN*SCRIPTURE*
(Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son)
OLD TESTAMENT - THE COMING OF MARY 
GENESIS 3:15 
emnity with satan - Expulsion from Eden.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel.

ISAIAH 7:14
born of a virgin - name him Emmanuel
14  Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name  shall name him Emmanuel.
 

 *ANNUNCIATION*
"Hail Full of grace,  , the Lord is with you!"
NEW TESTAMENT - FIRST CENTURY
LUKE 1:26-29
Announcement of the Birth of Jesus. 
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.  28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 

LUKE: 1:30-38
"do not be afraid"
30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32  He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,  and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.”  38  Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
 

 *VISITATION*CANTICLE*
"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" ! 
LUKE 1: 39-45
Mary Visits her cousin Elizabeth.
39  During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40  where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.  41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,  42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord* should come to me?  44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

LUKE 1: 46-55
The Canticle of Mary -
46 And Mary said:“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior.  48 For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.  49 The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.  50 His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.  51 He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.  52 He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. 53 The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,  55  according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

 *PRESENTATION*
 "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel --- "
LUKE 2:34-35
Presentation at the temple - suffering united with Jesus
34  and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted  35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce)-  so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against  (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." --- Mary's total obedience to God more important than her motherhood.

LUKE 11:27-28:
True Blessedness.
27  While he was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” 28  He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

 *WEDDING*
"Do whatever he tells you"
JOHN 2:2-5:
Wedding at Cana - Marys role in intercession with Jesus
2  Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.  3 When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4  [And] Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.”  5  His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”
 *AT*THE*CROSS*
to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" --- to John, "Behold, your mother!" 
 JOHN 19:25-27: 
Jesus during the Cricifixion - Mary is our mother
25 Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.  26 When Jesus saw his mother* and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
 *MARY*QUEEN of HEAVEN*
a woman clothed with the sun, 
the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars;
NEW TESTAMENT - MARY HOME IN HEAVEN
REVELATION  11:19-12:1:
New Testament Ark of his Covenant could be seen
19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a violent hailstorm. The temple and altar symbolize the new Israel;   The worshipers represent Christians. The measuring of the temple suggests that God will preserve the faithful remnant  Is who remain true to Christ

REVELATION  12:1:
and a great sign appeared - Mary is physically in heaven
1  A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman* clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 

REVELATION 12:16-18:
and the dragon became angry .... but the earth helped
16 But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth and swallowed the flood that the dragon spewed out of its mouth. 17 Then the dragon became angry with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God’s commandments and bear witness to Jesus.  18 It took its position* on the sand of the sea.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:17: 
17  But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him..
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Mary,  the New Testament Ark of the Covenant
 Mary and Jesus are now united in heaven as one, as are all of the saints in heaven)
 

 also see her words to us 
 Canonically Approved Apparitions
Guadalupe (1531) -  Laus (1664–1718) - Miraculous Medal (1830)
La Salette (1846) -  Lourdes (1858) -  Pontmain (1871)
 Knock (1879) -  Fatima (1917) - 
Beauraing (1932–1933) -  Banneux (1933)
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Our Lady of Good Help (1859)
Formally approved on
December 8, 2010, by Bishop Ricken, becoming the first
Marian Apparition approved by the Catholic Church in
the United States.
what is she saying to us today in these dangerous times? 
 what is she saying to you?
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ROSARY WORKSHOP 
MISSION STATEMENT
Our vision is to provide the finest handmade rosaries, chaplets and other fine religious art forms for personal worship we can make using the best supplies available.  The Guild believes the work of our hands should give visual Glory to God, therefore for us, the best for you is very, very important.
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WEEK DAYS - MT- TF - (closed wednesdays) 
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MORE ORDERING INFORMATION
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Learn more about Our Lady of Guadalupe