Our Lady Health of the Sick, Comforter of the Afflicted

This drawing was drawn as a gift for a very dear friend of mine who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. I have had the idea for this image for a much longer time, and have always loved these three titles of Mary (taken from the Litany of Loretto): "Health of the Sick, Comforter of the Afflicted, and Refuge of Sinners." The image illustrates my experience of faith during my own bout with cancer in the year 2000. My regard for the Blessed Virgin, what we Catholics would call "Devotion," grew as I passed through chemotherapy and surgery towards health. The person who suffers is never alone, and a mother cannot but try to console her children in their pain. I believe that just as Mary stood near the Cross of her son, ever in prayer, so too she stands near our own bed of pain, whatever it may be. "The prayers of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16) How much more do the entreaties of a mother move the heart of her son? My prayer for my friend, and for all who experience suffering, is that they may find the strength that comes from the intercession of all those, like the Blessed Mother, who love and cherish them.