كيف نقرأ أيقونة سيّدة الورديّة في بومبي؟

Dominican priest and sacred icon specialist Ziad Karaouche explained the visual and theological meaning of the icon of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Pompeii. Speaking to ACI MENA, Karaouche described how the image connects the heavenly and earthly realms through a specific visual arrangement.

The icon features the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus in the upper section, while Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena appear in the lower section. Karaouche noted that the Rosary serves as the visible link between the figures in heaven and those on earth. He explained that the presence of Jesus in Mary's arms establishes the theological center of the image, showing that devotion to Mary leads to Christ.

According to Karaouche, the icon functions as a visual summary of the relationship between Christ, Mary, the saints, the Rosary, and the mission of the Church. He stated that the Rosary itself embodies this connection because it is a prayer used to meditate on the mysteries of the life of Christ alongside Mary.