Our Lady of Tihaljina (near Medjugorje) Prayer Card

The original painting of Our Lady of Tihaljina, Our Lady of Grace (also known as Our Lady of Medjugorje) was painted in 2011 by artist Richard L George.

For many years the dominating images representing Our Lady of Medjugorje were photographs of the Italian-made statue, Our Lady of Grace located at Immaculate Conception Parish in the village of Tihaljina, near Medjugorje.

Like countless others, I also went there on pilgrimage, and knelt and prayed before the statue. For those who do so, their eyes meet Her eyes as they engage Our Blessed Mother in prayer.

I think the sculptor must have intended this when he made the statue. For when we think of Her and / or are drawing nearer to Her Immaculate Heart in prayer, She is looking right at us. She engages us in the very real Mother to child relationship She has been entrusted with.

However, over the years since that experience in Tihaljina, I became increasingly disheartened of how most of the photographs don’t represent that personal encounter with Our Blessed Mother. Instead, I saw many of the photos display a view of the statue in shadow, and/or depicting a gaze that is looking away from the viewer.

Whereupon, out of love for Our Blessed Mother (with an understanding of the love She has for each of us), I painted the image Our Lady of Tihaljina (aka Our Lady of Medjugorje). Now viewers may look upon Her image in the same way as when one kneels before the statue in prayer. In this way, the viewer is reminded of both Her presence and Her Maternal love for us. My hope is that the viewer, will engage in a deeper, heart to heart relationship with our dearest of Mothers.

I pray through this image of Our Lady of Tihaljina aka Medjugore will help you better realize Her love for you and be a help for you to remain ever close to Her Immaculate Heart in prayer.

“If you knew how much I love you, you’d cry for joy” – Mother Mary (18 Mar 2009 – Medjugorje)