Icon by Kelly Latimore | Text by Lora-Ellen McKinney
GROUNDING
Kelly Latimore’s “Our Lady of the Journey” is part of a series inspired by a small statue known as La Peregrina (“The Pilgrim”), discovered at the Franciscan Novitiate community near California’s St. Ines Mission. Though little is known about the statue’s origins, the sisters lovingly referred to it as “Our Lady of the Journey,” a title that inspired Latimore to reflect on the countless journeys undertaken by the world’s women.
The icon presents Mary not only as the mother of Jesus, but as a companion to all who travel along difficult roads. She represents refugees seeking safety, women who walk long distances each day to obtain water or attend school, mothers searching for shelter, and families striving for more secure futures. In Mary’s face we see courage, endurance, and unwavering love.
The journey depicted in the icon is both physical and spiritual. Many women carry burdens that are unseen: grief, poverty, discrimination, violence, loneliness, or uncertainty. Some mourn the loss of loved ones. Others struggle to believe in their own strength while working multiple jobs, caring for children, or rebuilding their lives after hardship. Before any outward journey can begin, there is often an inward journey—the difficult work of hope, perseverance, and faith.
Latimore’s icon honors these women as bearers of dignity and resilience. Mary stands as a sign of God’s presence among those who travel through challenge. She reminds viewers that every step taken toward safety, justice, opportunity, and love is sacred. “Our Lady of the Journey” invites us to recognize the holiness found in ordinary acts of courage and the enduring power of a mother’s hope for her children.
PRAYER
Holy God,
You entrusted your Son to Mary, a young mother asked to carry a holy future she could scarcely imagine. You walked with her through uncertainty, danger, exhaustion, and hope, teaching her that she would never journey alone.
Be present now with mothers throughout the world: those fleeing violence, seeking shelter, gathering water, working long hours, grieving losses, or carrying burdens unseen by others. Remind them that every child entrusted to their care is precious, bearing dignity, promise, and your image.
Strengthen those whose journeys are measured in miles and those whose journeys are measured in courage. When fear overwhelms them, grant confidence. When resources fail, provide companions. When the road grows long, renew their hope.
Teach us to honor, protect, and support all who nurture the next generation, that every family may find safety, justice, and opportunity, and every child may flourish in love.
Through Jesus Christ, who journeyed among us as Mary’s child and the Savior of the world. Amen.
