Exhibition of Popular Art.Our Lady of Reconciliation.

Taking advantage of the participation of a group of popular artists in the National Nativity Scene Contest which took place in Lima in December 2008, we proposed a spiritual retreat to them in order to answer the question: Who is Mary?
In a climate of reflection, prayer, and friendship the idea of a meeting to present a collection of images of the Immaculate, of Our Lady of Reconciliation.

The idea took shape and was called: "Sharing among friends." It began with a Mass, and then some sharing and finally a contest in which the judges were the participants themselves. Each of them brought their own work and evaluated the other works with the follow three critreria:

a. Which is the work that best expresses the symbolism of Our Lady of Reconciliation?
b. Which work best expresses our peruvian cultural identity?
c. How much can each authors style be identified in their work?

Being recognized by ones own colleagues is a unique experience. In the midst of the simplicity and intimacy of the contest, they themselves, evaluated each other's work without voting for their own work
The activity was very emotional. The filial love, reverence and care with which they prepared the works stood out and there was much anticipation to see the other works.

It was a spiritual experience where each detail of the images was significant; the look, the heart, the roses, the fire, the sword, the state of pregnancy, the hands. All were anxious to see the way that the symbolism of the Holy Mother took shape.
A personal experience: faith is not an imposition. It is a gift that resides in the depths of each one of these artists who have allowed themselves to be touched by the love of Mary, discovering this dimension of Christian life that renews them and impels them to a more intense love for the Lord.