There are also some other Dorothean sisters, friars and seminarians. This group of varied ages and backgrounds was guided by Andres Bergamini, who for many years has been passionately interested in this art and who, with the young Franciscan Brother Alberto Pari, started the course. Two experts from Italy, Martina and Lella, help them with these participants.
Day after day, the 14 students have seen the figure of Christ Pantocrator grow and take shape, a subject considered ideal for those approaching the icon for the first time, as it presents simple features, especially in the face. From preparing the boards to tracing the design, from practicing the brushstroke technique to applying the layers of colour, each of the participants has been able to discover and try their hand at all the phases leading to the creation of this kind of very ancient illustration, which has its “forefather” in St. Luke, remembered by tradition as the first iconographer and its first model in the Face of Christ impressed on the Holy Shroud.
“The finest discovery was realizing that, in a work where we use the same colours, the same signs and create the same image, everyone has put a part of themselves, their own particularity.” This is Sister Ginetta’s comment on the experience of the course, now drawing to an end, but which, in view of its success, will probably be repeated in the near future. It is an experience of total involvement for those taking part, who work intensely every day and all day, with long work sessions where they share with their companions further study on subjects related to icons as well as technical, historical and evangelical aspects.
Each morning starts with the recital of the iconographer’s prayer:
O Divine Lord of all that exists,
Thou hast illumined the Apostle and Evangelist Luke with Your Most Holy Spirit, thereby enabling him to represent thy most Holy Mother; the one who held Thee in Her arms and said: 'The Grace of Him Who has been born of me is spread throughout the world.‘
Enlighten and direct my soul, my heart and my spirit.
Guide the hands of Thine unworthy servant, so that I may worthily and perfectly portray Thine icon, that of Thy Mother and all the saints, for the glory and adornment of Thy Holy Church.
Forgive my sins and the sins of those who will venerate these icons, and who, kneeling devoutly before them, give homage to those they represent. Protect them from all evil and instruct them with good counsel.
This I ask through the intercession of Thy Most Holy Mother, the Apostle Luke, and all the Saints. Amen."
By Serena Picariello
Photos by Andres Bergamini