The General Secretariat of the Synod has shared on its social media a Marian image from Cambodia depicting the Virgin Mary under the title “Our Mother of Inclusive Love,” a representation that forms part of the pastoral life of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang.
The post was made by the Synod’s official account following the recent ad limina visit of the Cambodian bishops to Rome. According to the Vatican body, the image was presented as a gift during that meeting and expresses God’s love that “embraces all people.”
A Representation Born in the Church of Cambodia
The image shows Mary holding the Child Jesus, who appears with open arms in a welcoming gesture. According to the description released by the local Church, both are portrayed with an expression of closeness and hospitality toward those who approach them.
The sculpture also includes several child figures placed beneath the Virgin’s mantle. Each one represents different aspects of human life and the Christian experience.
Two of the children appear in the central part of the composition. One holds a book, symbolizing wisdom and discernment between good and evil. The other plays a flute, a reference to art, music, and cultural traditions as forms of praise to God.
The Prominence of Persons with Disabilities
At the bottom of the carving appears a child in a wheelchair holding a dove, a symbol of peace. Beside him is another child leaning on a crutch and carrying a bouquet of flowers, interpreted as a reference to love and the Gospel commandment to love one’s neighbor.
The explanation issued by the Church of Battambang notes that these elements seek to express the dignity of all persons and the communion between those who have a disability and those who do not.
The composition also includes a child figure embracing the other children as a sign of welcome and solidarity.
According to the official description, the Virgin’s mantle represents the Church as a common family under which everyone finds their place.
A Symbol Linked to Cambodian Culture
The base of the sculpture is adorned with lotus flowers, one of the most characteristic images of Cambodia. Local tradition associates this flower with purity, holiness, and glory.
The explanation released by the local Church also emphasizes that the sculptures are made by Cambodian artists with disabilities, a circumstance that forms part of the work’s own meaning.
The Synod Secretariat presented the image as an expression of the life of the Church in Cambodia and its pastoral experience, highlighting the message of welcome and the centrality of the dignity of every human person conveyed by the Marian representation.