Miracle-working images of Mary exist in both Eastern and Western churches. In the Russian icon tradition, the Mother of God Vladimirskaya is seen as a great protectress and is believed to have miraculously saved Moscow from several foreign invasions. In the Mexican tradition the image of Our Lady Refuge of Sinners, or La Refugiana, brought comfort during times of fear or catastrophe and became a symbol of Mexican independence.

The Mother of God Vladimirskaya is a type of icon known as “umilenie,” or “loving-kindness.” These icons show Mary embracing her son, indicating the close connection between Mother and Child. Her sorrowful expression hints at her knowledge of Christ’s destiny of crucifixion for the salvation of humankind. Mary’s eyes connect with the viewer, inviting dialogue.

The image of Our Lady Refuge of Sinners or La Refugiana inspires acts of confession, repentance, meditation, and contemplation of one’s sins. The iconography of La Refugiana is more complex than the stylized Vladimirskaya; here the enthroned and crowned Mother and Child appear over clouds, against blue skies with rays of light, rose garlands, or stars. The blue background stands for heaven and heavenly love, as well as the blue of the sky after the clouds are dispelled, suggesting the unveiling of truth.