The Image of Our Lady of Medjugorje
Discover the true story behind the most shared image of Our Lady of Medjugorje, the Tihaljina image.
See the image of
Our Lady of Medjugorje after visionary Mirjana's description
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Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
The Origins of the Image of Our Lady of Medjugorje
Also known as Our Lady of Tihaljina, 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 to hear Fr. Fr. Jozo Zovko, OFM speak. Fr Jozo had been the pastor of St James Parish in Medjugorje when the apparitions began. There we were encouraged and spiritually fed by Fr Jozo. And we also 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, engaging in the very real Mother to child relationship She has been entrusted with.
The Different Stages of the Painting
Over the years after that experience as a young pilgrim,
I became increasingly disheartened of how most of the photographs don’t represent that personal encounter with Our Blessed Mother.
You see 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 this image to be looked upon in the same way as when one kneels before the statue in prayer with the hope that it will encourage the viewer to engage in a deeper, heart to heart encounter with our dearest of Mothers.
At first I painted a quick portrait of the statue engaging the viewer. Later, from time to time, I returned to the painting to refine it in order to make it more beautiful and real for Our Lady who is all beautiful.
Though I had originally painted her with brown eyes, I had several requests for a blue eyed version of the image because both Saint Bernadette of Lourdes and the visionary Mirjana Dragičević Soldo reported seeing Her with blue eyes.
Below are Art and Gift Items Available with this Image
Unframed Art Prints
Framed Art Prints
Canvases
Note Cards
Prayer Cards
Blankets
Pillows
Mugs
Tote Bags
