Mary embodies the most necessary human values

A German Catholic priest once noticed a painting of the Madonna and Child on display in General Paul von Hindenburg's (1) office. As he couldn’t help expressing his surprise, the old Lutheran general explained: "Actually, I see in the Virgin Mary the embodiment of the human values necessary for my life."

Can you dream of a more beautiful definition of what Mary has brought to us? To a world given over entirely to the boastful pride of life, Mary teaches the humility of Bethlehem. To a world dominated by money, she reminds us of the poverty of Nazareth. To a twisted and lying world, she brings truth and simplicity. To a world made tougher every day by hatred, she repeats her lesson of gentleness. To a lustful and vain world, she offers the testimony of her fertile virginity. To an aging world, she brings her eternal youth.

(1) German general and statesman (b. 1847) who led the Imperial German Army during WWI, and later became President of Germany from 1925 until his death during the Weimar Republic in 1934.

Henri Engelmann

Excerpt from his book J’ai perdu la foi, 1962, (I Lost My Faith)