The restoration of the Venerated Image of Our Lady of Lourdes is nearing the end of the first phase. One exquisite detail was uncovered after painstaking efforts to cautiously peel off layers of paint over the hands of the image: a dainty lace pattern on her wrists, an indication of the high level of artistry by the sculptor Manuel Flores when he carved the image in 1894.
Just as remarkable is the commitment of the present restorer, as explained by Rev. Fr. Artemio Raymundo, OFMCap, Guardian of NSOLLQC, “When the previous encarna was stripped, Mr. Albert Foronda, expert in restoration and encarnas, found out that the original had laces at the cuffs and collars. Though they were not as intricate as the present, Albert is restoring the image to the original placed laces at the cuffs. He will also put laces at the neckline. The Blessed Mother being Jewish wears an inner tunic. And in the previous encarna that tunic has laces. Unfortunately the recent encarnas had covered this detail.”
Rest assured that preparations are underway for the forthcoming Canonical Coronation of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
May 4, 2020 Quezon City, Philippines
Photo Credits: Albert Foronda
