15 June 2016 – The latest creation of Dublin-based Filipino painter Marvin Baldemor entitled “Notre Dame du Liban” (Our Lady of Lebanon) took center stage during the National Day Reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon on June 01 at the Grand Ballroom of the historic Phoenicia Hotel Beirut.
The painting depicts the iconic majestic statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary overlooking the breathtaking Mediterranean Sea and seemingly throwing her protective mantle over the whole country. The Basilica of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church is located in Harissa, a mountain village, which is about 1900 feet above sea level and is about thirty minutes north of Beirut, the capital city.
Through the years, thousands of Filipinos living and working in Lebanon have gone on a pilgrimage to the Harissa Shrine during the first Sunday of May, which is the Anniversary of Our Lady of Lebanon. It will be noted that the Blessed Virgin Mary is also the Patroness of the Philippines, whose feasts fall on December 08 (Immaculate Conception) and January 01 (Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God).
Marvin Baldemor’s work aims to provide an example of similarities between Philippine and Lebanese cultures that will be highlighted as the two countries mark the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations on October 24. END
