"Mary of the Inclusive Love" hand carved wooden Catholic statue

Mary of the Inclusive Love

This wood carving is present in all the parishes of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang and is full of symbolism.

Mary holds Jesus with open arms welcoming all who wish to draw near, both with a disarming smile. In the middle of the figure are two children; one holds a book symbolizing wisdom, the other plays the flute putting together art, music, and tradition in praising God.

In the lower part are three children; one child gives a hug of welcome, a sign of solidarity to include two other disabled children. One child is on a wheelchair holding a dove to represent peace and the other child holds flowers; a sign of love and God’s greatest commandment--Love one another as I have loved you. The wheelchair is like a sacrament that gives back dignity and makes communion between disable and non-disabled.

The cloak of Our Lady which surrounds them all symbolizes the family we belong to in the church. We are all included under this cloak. We are all under the love of God. We are all creatures made as an image of God, the supreme master builder.

At the bottom of the image are lotus flowers, the most emblematic flower in Cambodia as a symbol of glory, purity, and holiness.

Height: 24cm

Carved into the base: Chhoeng Nhoeng 13 2 22 (Possibly the artist & date?)