The Making of an Icon: Mother of Divine Love.
The Fundraiser
In March 2025, I had the incredible privilege to stand up and share my Advent journey (three months later during Lent) at the 9th Annual St. Joseph fundraiser dinner in support of the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra, CA.
What I shared
This year, I found that my ADVENT journey was led by the Mother of my Lord, whom I perceived for the first time as the Mother of Divine Love. Reflecting during this past Advent on her Fiat, I realized she brought Love into the world, the Love that is our Lord. In this icon, she is expecting and waiting with us for His coming.
She knows only that her yes is in accord with His will, yet she ponders what this will mean to mankind, as should we. The Advent season is marked with such reflection, and we're reminded of that by the four most prominent roses, three violet and one dusty rose, representing hope, peace, joy, and love. The yellow roses represent her glories. The Seraphim Angels in her mantle are the first to proclaim Holy, Holy, Holy, fitting as Our Lady has already become the Ark of the New Covenant, the Holy of Holies. Our Lord is indeed already present inside her, and He will become the greatest act of Love ever known to mankind, the Eucharist, which will sustain those who follow Him. We wait with our Lady, our queen, and rejoice with her, for He indeed is coming.
The Winner
I produced this icon as a fundraiser item. Thank you to the wonderful community who attended in support of the Convent.
AMDG, Vivian Imbruglia
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Iconoria
September 02, 2026
It is truly inspiring to see how your Advent journey led to such a profound depiction of the Mother of Divine Love. The inclusion of the four roses—representing hope, peace, joy, and love—is a masterstroke that beautifully connects the liturgical season to the icon’s theology.
As an iconographer currently putting the final touches on a new icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I find your use of the Seraphim on her mantle particularly moving; it perfectly highlights her role as the Ark of the New Covenant. Your work is a testament to how traditional sacred art continues to sustain the faithful today.
Thank you for sharing the story behind this piece and for your dedication to supporting the Sacred Heart Retreat House.