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Mary Clare Moore joined the Sisters of Mercy in August 1837, a week after her 29th birthday, taking the name Sr. Clare Augustine when she was received into the Order.
She was already an accomplished artist and used her talent generously. While we know from some of Catherine McAuley's Letters that she did not always find it easy to deal with Clare Augustine Moore's artistic temperament, it is to Catherine's great credit that she did not thwart or prevent that talent from flourishing to its fullest.
It is truly remarkable that the Mercy charism was expressed through the medium of art at a time when extreme poverty, need and disease were rampant, in the midst of extraordinarily busy schedules, when financial resources were very limited, and when the structures of Religious Life were not conducive to the development of an individual's talent.
Thankfully none of the above proved to be an obstacle to the genius of Clare Augustine Moore.
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Total Giving
Against the dark background of the dark events of that day, Mary's blue cloak stands out - but not so much that she takes the focus off her beloved son who remains the central figure of her life, and indeed of our lives.
At first glance this looks like any other depiction of the Crucifixion we have ever seen. On closer examination of Clare Augustine Moore's astonishing painting, many details are revealed:
- the blood dripping from the feet and hands of Jesus
- the pieces of wood that hold the cross in place
- the skull
- the water flowing from the side of Christ - almost like the flame of the Spirit at Pentecost.
Mary looks on, her head to the side, uncomprehending, heartbroken, still in the stance of Fiat.
Reflection:
How do I behold the mystery of the Cross?
What is my stance in the face of impenetrable suffering?
This reflection is by Sr Áine Barrins rsm, from a booklet entitled Opening the Treasures (some images of Mary by Clare Augustine Moore).
Images are copyrighted to MIA.