When Mary, Virgin and Queen, came to the temple with her Son

"It was the feast of the Purification of the Virgin. I was in Foligno, at the church of the Friars Minor. And the voice spoke, saying to me, "This is the hour when Mary, Virgin and Queen, came to the temple with her Son.” My soul listened with great love, and, having listened, she was delighted; and in her delight she saw the Queen enter, and she went to meet her, trembling with respect.

I hesitated, however, too afraid to approach. She reassured me, and held out Jesus to me. She said: "O you who love my Son, receive the one you love.” She put him in my arms; he was wrapped in swaddling clothes; his eyes were closed as in sleep. The Queen sat down like a tired woman. Her gestures were so beautiful, her attitude so marvelous, her person so noble, her appearance so sublime, that my eyes could not rest on Jesus alone. I had to look at his mother!

Suddenly the child awoke in my arms. His swaddling clothes had fallen off, he opened his eyes and looked up. Jesus looked at me, and his gaze made my heart completely melt. Splendor came out of his eyes, and his joy shone like a blazing flame. Then he appeared in his immense, ineffable majesty, and he said to me: "He who has not seen me small will not see me great.” He added, "I have come to you, and I offer myself to you, so you will offer yourself to me.”

Saint Angela of Foligno

Book of Visions and Instructions #45