Preaching Christ through Marian icons

Abstract

The relationship between the contemporary cry for quality preaching and the ever increasing interest in iconography is the subject matter of this dissertation. One may notice a common link between the above two issues to be treated and studied: The Word. The dissertation entails an examination of the relationship between preaching and iconography founded on Christology as expressed in the symbolic language of the Marian Icons. The icon, as a medium of theological reflection, helps us understand the triple function of preaching: to deepen our knowledge of the mystery of Christ; to discover the Ecclesial dimension; to understand better the Christian vocation in the context of salvation history. The dissertation considers (i) The intrinsic relationship between the Gospel and its proclamation; (ii) The use of symbolic language and iconography within the life of the Church; (iii) Mary as hearer of the Word; (iv) Mary as preacher.