Our Lady of Grace with Christ Child
Our Lady of Grace with Christ Child
About This Image
This image portrays a Christian reflection on Genesis 3:15:
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; they will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel.
— Genesis 3:15 (NABRE)
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is shown with her foot upon the serpent, while the Christ Child places His foot upon hers. This composition symbolizes that the power conquering evil comes from Christ Himself, yet His Mother shares uniquely in that victory through her faithful cooperation with God's saving plan.
In Catholic tradition, this scene represents the fulfillment of God's first promise of redemption. Mary is called the New Eve because her obedient "yes" to God at the Annunciation reversed the disobedience of the first woman, Eve. By freely consenting to bear the Savior, she became the vessel through whom the Redeemer entered the world.
Catholics also speak of the Immaculate Conception—Mary's being preserved by God from original sin from the first moment of her existence. This grace prepared her to be a pure dwelling place for Christ and to share fully, though dependently, in His triumph over sin and death. Her victory is not her own: it is Christ's victory, which she participates in perfectly through His power and grace.
Together, the Mother and Child embody the fulfillment of God's promise: the serpent is crushed, evil is defeated, and humanity's story is renewed in Christ.
Suggested Prayers While Crafting
As you carefully cut out this sticker, consider praying these traditional Marian prayers:
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Advent/Christmas season Marian antiphon, invoking Mary's protection
The Angelus
A traditional Marian devotion commemorating the Annunciation, recited three times daily
Ave Regina Caelorum
Lenten season Marian antiphon, invoking Mary's intercession
Fatima Prayer
Prayer taught by Our Lady of Fatima to the three shepherd children
Hail Mary
A traditional Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary, combining the angel Gabriel's greeting and Elizabeth's blessing
Litany of Loreto
Traditional litany of invocations to Mary, also known as the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Magnificat
The canticle of Mary from the Gospel of Luke, sung during Vespers
Memorare
A traditional prayer to the Virgin Mary asking for her intercession, expressing confidence in her maternal care
Regina Caeli
Easter season antiphon to Mary, celebrating the Resurrection
Salve Regina
Traditional Marian antiphon, also known as Hail Holy Queen
Sub Tuum Praesidium
Ancient prayer seeking Mary's protection, one of the oldest known Marian prayers
Sharing Ideas
- Give to expectant mothers as a blessing
- Share during Advent or Marian devotions
- Use in religious education about Mary's special role
- Include with prayers for protection and purity