The Virgin Annunciate, a larger-than-life-size marble sculpture at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Maryland
The Virgin Annunciate & St. Joseph, the Carpenter at Our Lady of Mercy was created by ACLS board member, Sarah Hempel Irani for Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Maryland. In this depiction of the Virgin Mary, she is portrayed just after the angel Gabriel’s departure, accepting his message with grace. Mary’s right hand rests over her heart as she bows her head in submission, while her left hand gently touches her belly, inviting the Holy Spirit. We, as viewers, are drawn into this intimate sacra conversazione. Mary’s bare feet signify humility and the sacredness of the moment, allowing us to connect with her humanity, That she is elevated and made from pure white marble, we experience her sacred presence. Two vases beside her symbolize her role as the vessel of the Messiah, the source of Living Water, and foreshadow Jesus’ first miracle at Cana.
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Joseph is identified by the woodshop setting, his trade as a carpenter. At his feet lie a hammer and three nails—tools of his trade and a foreshadowing of Christ’s Passion. Distracted from his work, Joseph contemplates his empty, worn hands, realizing he has nothing material to offer the Son of Man. Yet, he was chosen by God to protect Mary, showing his readiness to abandon his trade and follow God’s commands.
In Matthew 1:19-20, 24, Joseph’s humility and obedience are evident as he resolves to quietly divorce Mary, only to be redirected by an angel in a dream. Mary, in her humility, was chosen by God to bear His Son, embodying the power of grace and holiness. Both Mary and Joseph serve as models of humility and obedience, guiding Christians to respond to God’s will with unwavering faith.
St. Joseph, the Carpenter
Larger-than-life-size Carrara marble
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Maryland
Project Team Members:
Sarah Hempel Irani, artist
Malcom Harlow, Stone Carver, the Virgin Annunciate
Studio Antognazzi, Stone Carver, St. Joseph, the Carpenter
Commissioned by Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Maryland