by Maxim Kelly
Descendants of Grace Kelly - Hollywood movie star and Monaco princess with Mayo roots - have donated a unique piece of religious art to the Benedictine sisters in Kylemore Abbey in Connemara.
The Synaxis of the Holy Apostles is an original piece created by American iconographer Susan Kelly von Medicus.
Created in the tradition of the Prosopon School of Iconography, The Synaxis of the Holy Apostles is painted in egg tempera using natural mineral pigments, and finished with 23 carat gold leaf. The work was donated by Professor Kelly von Medicus and The Poleberry Foundation this week, with the presentation facilitated by Martin Dunphy, followed by a blessing by Fr Tony King.
"May this sacred work inspire prayer, reflection and devotion for all who encounter it. We are deeply grateful for this lasting gift and are honoured to give it a prominent place within our monastery," said the Benedictine community, in a statement of gratitude to the donors.
Susan Kelly von Medicus, a professor at Villanova University near Philadelphia, is an accomplished iconographer whose work follows ancient Christian traditions of icon writing. The presentation of her icon reflects the enduring connection between Ireland and its diaspora.
The Kelly family traces its roots to County Mayo, where John Henry Kelly and Mary Costello Kelly emigrated to the United States in 1869. Among their descendants was Princess Grace of Monaco, whose family has maintained close ties with the west of Ireland for generations.
Now installed at Kylemore Abbey, The Synaxis of the Holy Apostles will become a permanent fixture at the monastery, offering visitors and pilgrims a focus for quiet reflection while enriching the Abbey's long tradition of faith, hospitality and sacred beauty.
