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Copyright © 2003
Orbis Books
September 2002
Christ of Maryknoll
Famed iconographer names newest work for Maryknoll
Robert Lentz, the acclaimed iconographer, has created an original work of art called "Christ of Maryknoll." When Mr. Lentz began painting the new icon for the cover of a forthcoming Orbis book, Christ in the Margins (Summer 2003), he planned on calling it "Christo Mojado," (Christ the Wet-back) but soon realized that the emerging Christ-figure represented the poor and marginalized throughout the world and the people who serve them.

Because of his love and appreciation for Maryknoll and Orbis Books, Mr. Lentz decided to name the icon "Christ of Maryknoll." His inspiration, in his words, follow:

”I have named this icon 'Christ of Maryknoll' because Maryknoll and Orbis Books mean so much to me. Both endeavor to see the Christ among the least of us, and to serve the Christ who lives in the margins of this world. Maryknoll priests, brothers, sisters, and lay people have been imprisoned in China and elsewhere for their work among the poor, the broken, the oppressed; Orbis has taken great risks to extend the Maryknoll vision. I hope this icon will bring inspiration to all those who share in that vision.

The icon does not make clear which side of the fence Christ is on. Is he imprisoned or are we? Through our cultural institutions and personal lives we all place barriers between ourselves and true happiness. We and our institutions also try to imprison Christ in various ways, to tame him and the dangerous memories he would bring us of our goals and ideals. The Christ of Maryknoll cannot be tamed.”

Robert Lentz, September 11, 2002

This icon may not be reproduced without the permission of Orbis Books
To see/order more of Robert Lentz's work please visit www.trinitystores.com
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