raised up from the desert nestling on her lover. angels prophets and the saints assemble around the heavenly throne on which the virgin mary sits alongside her son. as an intercessor on behalf of humanity. what is important here all the protagonists hands sent francis whose face can no longer be recognized pleads for redemption on behalf of his brothers as he is conveyed by mary to her son who listens and gives his blessing to the franciscans. the virgin mary's role in the heavenly hierarchy is in this franciscan church newly defined. she is jesus companion and on with the angels at the same time she remains a human being that signifies that she is the first human being to be redeemed and raised to heaven.