Mary, Patroness of the United States
Many countries claim the patronage of a particular saint.
Scotland honors Saint Andrew, Ireland - Saint Patrick, Russia and
England - Saint George...
As the first Catholics came to our shores, escaping protestant
persecution, they devoted themselves in a special way to the
protection of the Mother of God. This special relationship was
confirmed by our Catholic bishops when they dedicated this
nation to her conception by Saint Ann.
Mary, Our Lady of America
What is an icon? Surely not just a beautiful work of art. The
Church instructs us that icons are not mere pictures, they are
the spiritual mirror of the event or person that they depict.
There are many icons of Our Blessed Mother. Each reflects her
reality in a different and unique way.
The icon of Our Lady of America depicts Mary as Hanouneh, the
tender one. Her maternal affection is on display for all to see as
she enfolds in her arms the creator of the universe.
