Ordinary Chosen for Extraordinary

Our Lady of the Sign

by Ida Williams
with gratitude to Sister Cecelia for her insights

Our Lady of the Sign — Patroness of the Nuns of New Skete

As we enter the season of Christmas, when we reflect on God choosing to come among us in the most humble and unexpected way, it feels fitting to remember that the nuns’ monastery is dedicated to Our Lady of the Sign—the icon that proclaims that very mystery.

This image of Mary shows her with hands raised in prayer, the Christ Child revealed within a radiant circle over her heart. The sisters place their life and work under her protection and patronage, trusting her to guide the community and intercede for all who come here. The icon expresses the heart of the Incarnation—God with us—and reminds us that New Skete is meant to be a place of prayer, peace, and hospitality offered in Christ’s name.

Just as Christmas celebrates God entering the world quietly and lovingly, the icon of the Sign reveals God dwelling within the ordinary, held in the arms of a young woman who said “yes.”
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Mary’s Song

(Luke 1:46–50)

And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.”

Mary’s words remind us that God often chooses the simple, the overlooked, and the ordinary—and transforms them into something extraordinary. It is the same theme we see in the icon and in the Christmas story.
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A Little History

In 1969, five Poor Clare nuns from Evansville, Indiana, set out to found a new monastery whose life would embody a deep expression of their dedication to God. Encouraged by the Second Vatican Council to look back to their origins and rediscover the vision that shaped their founders, they began reflecting on how to live monastic life authentically in the modern world.

In 1974, the Sisters of St. Clare became the Nuns of New Skete, placing their monastery under the patronage of Our Lady of the Sign. This was not simply a title—it was a spiritual homecoming. They chose the icon that speaks so clearly of God’s nearness, God’s humility, and God’s willingness to enter the world through the openness of one willing heart.
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What the Icon Depicts

1. Mary with her hands raised in prayer
The ancient orans posture, a stance of intercession on behalf of all people.

2. Christ within a circular mandorla
Shown as a small adult, symbolizing divine wisdom and God’s presence dwelling in her womb.

3. Deep symbolic colors
* Gold – divine light
* Blue/purple – divinity and royalty
* Red – humanity, life, sacrifice
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What the Icon Expresses

1. The Incarnation
God truly becomes human in the womb of Mary.

2. Mary as the Ark and the Temple
The mandorla is the sign of God’s presence. Mary becomes the living vessel of the divine.

3. Mary as Intercessor
Her uplifted hands show her praying for the world.

4. Christ as Emmanuel
The Christ Child is labeled IC XC (“Jesus Christ”) or “Emmanuel,” meaning God with us—the heart of Christmas.
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Why This Icon Is Central to the Nuns’ Identity

1. The Incarnation
New Skete spirituality emphasizes finding God in the ordinary, the real, and the embodied—precisely what this icon proclaims.

2. Prayer and Intercession
Mary’s raised hands mirror the monastic life of prayer for the world.

3. Hospitality
Mary offers Christ to all; the sisters extend the same welcome to guests, retreatants, neighbors, and seekers.

4. Protection
In Orthodox tradition, this icon is especially associated with safeguarding communities—something fitting for a monastery placed under her care.
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The Icon as Inspiration and Mission

The icon of Our Lady of the Sign is both the inspiration and the mission statement of the Nuns of New Skete. Mary offers Christ to the world; the sisters strive to do the same through:

• prayer
• hospitality
• service
• beauty
• spiritual refuge

And at Christmas, when we celebrate Emmanuel—God-with-us—the message of this icon becomes even more vivid.

It reminds us that God still enters the world quietly, through openness, welcome, and love.

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