Tag: Our Lady

Posted on by — Leave a comment

A New Year’s Omen: Was She Smiling?

By La Luz

Photo of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Courtesy of Chiara Luz Atoyebi, Washington. DC 2025.

I have seen a few signs and wonders at The Basilica in DC, and it always happens with exactly one witness. This past Sunday when we were leaving mass I looked up and saw what appeared to be Our Lady smiling. If you are familiar with this image and iconography it is more somber. But on this day I tapped my son and said, “is she smiling?” he said, “yeah that’s weird.”

I immediately snapped a picture and here it is.

For me it proves the spiritual connection of art in the way that Kandinsky wrote about. Additionallyalso believe that this is a smile of support and pride.

Let me know if you see the smile and what you think. I think it is a good omen for the new year.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Understanding the Feast of Immaculate Conception

By Chiara Luz

AI Generated Image by the Author for The Feast of Immaculate Conception 2025

“Celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception — a serene tribute to Mary, adorned with Turkish-inspired elegance and timeless grace.”

While many of my Marian histories, crafts, and news will be featured my website, The House of Maryam, I wanted to share the meaning of today’s feast to all. I like to shape my posts similarly to how you would find them at a Marian Basilica–filled with images, miracles and devotions.

Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8, and honors the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin — a truth at the heart of Catholic faith. Declared a Holy Day of Obligation, it calls the faithful to pause and reflect during Advent, attending Mass in gratitude for God’s plan of salvation. Under this title, Mary is the Patroness of the United States, making this day especially meaningful for American Catholics. Though not a public holiday, its spiritual significance shines brightly, inviting us to embrace purity, grace, and hope.

This is my personal artwork and St. Francis altar. I will have images of Mary in my Woo Commerce shop for purchase this week.

All around the world, many people see Our Lady as the mother they never had or as an inspiration for living a good life. For anyone feeling uncertain, I encourage reaching out to her—like a mother with unwavering love and no judgment, her love can truly transform the heart. The journey itself is deeply personal, and that part is yours alone.

Peace be with you and your family.