The icon of Our Lady of Damascus dates back to the 11th or 12th century. According to legend, the image floated across the sea and came to rest on the shore of the island of Rhodes where it was given a place of honor in a local church and protected by the Knights of St. John.
When Sulieman and his Ottoman army conquered the area, he allowed the Knights of St. John to take the icon with them. They set sail and were eventually granted refuge by Emperor Charles V who offered them the island of Malta. The icon found a new home there in 1530.
The icon was restored in Rome in the 1960s where an overpainting was removed, revealing a beautiful Byzantine Madonna and Child.
(Source: http://greekcatholicmalta.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Story-of-the-icon-of-our-Lady-of-Damascus-by-Fr-Vito-Borgia.pdf)
Image from https://church.mt/restoration-of-the-venerable-icon-of-our-lady-of-damascus/
Prayer
Blessed Mother, the icon of Our Lady of Damascus traveled far in search of a new home. Help us when we feel uncertain of where we belong or what our next steps should be.
Reflection
The true beauty of Our Lady of Damascus was revealed when it was cleaned. Sometimes our own beauty is hidden by the figurative masks we wear when we are with others or by sin that has clouded our minds and hearts. What can you do today to reveal the authentic beauty God has placed in you? How can you be more honest in your dealings with others? Make plans to go to confession soon – a thorough cleaning is always good for the soul.
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