Mosaic of Mary, Mother of Priests, above the Altar at the Servants of the Paraclete Church, Jemez Springs
Photographer
Damien Spencer
Creation Date
August 29, 2025
Collection Source
Photographer
Description
A full vertical view of the reredos mosaic located behind the altar at the Mary, Mother of Priests Chapel in Jemez Springs, New Mexico.
The image highlights:
Central Subject: A large-scale mosaic of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, who is depicted with arms outstretched in a cruciform gesture. Mary's elongated figure is rendered in shades of blue and gold.
Symbolic Elements: The mother and child stand atop stylized blue and white clouds, flanked by tall, golden stalks of wheat that symbolize the Eucharist.
Architectural Context: The mosaic is inset into a rugged fieldstone wall and is framed by two tall blue and gold liturgical banners. Above the scene, a heavy wooden viga (ceiling beam) is visible, supporting the warm wood-paneled ceiling.
Lighting: Natural light from a source above creates a gentle highlight on the upper portion of the mosaic, emphasizing the shimmering quality of the tiles.
