The Black Madonna of The Pacific

 

Our Lady of Antipolo, Philippines 

The Black Madonnas of the World are unusual in that most of them have origin stories of discovery. These images also have stories of endurance through great odds. The Black Madonnas of the Americas and the Pacific Islands often include discoveries by peasants, being washed ashore, or surviving shipwrecks or great storms.

These Madonnas are part of the evangelization of the areas where they are discovered, and in my opinion, have great meaning in all aspects of their narrative. Unfortunately, many of the people in the Americas and the Pacific Islands are not native to the region, but were taken by force to be slaves by the colonists. Often, the passage to the colonies was quite treacherous, sometimes deadly.

To   have a narrative of survival of a dark image of Divinity was very meaningful and comforting to those who were suffering under such oppression. In fact, having a dark image of Divinity is profoundly healing to those who also have dark skin. When they see such images, they feel included, seen and loved because of such images.

Hopefully, all of humanity will recognize the unconditional love the Spiritual World has for every person, regardless of all the externals most of us consider valuable. What counts is what is inside our hearts and minds, how we treat one another. The color of our skin is simply an example of the creative expression of the Cosmos. We are all born of the stars, and to the stars we shall return. 

Until then, let us heed to call to recognize Divinity in all with whom we meet!