Victory at Toledo (Spain, 1202) Mary's Virginity (I) Virginity is hardly in fashion these days. It is undervalued and some go as far as to challenge Mary's virginity. Before Mary's time - although the Jewish [...] notion as well in the context of God's promises and the Covenant. However, with Mary virginity takes on a new importance. Mary is the only woman of the New Testament to receive the title of virgin (Lk 1: [...] of Jesus (Lk 1: 35) and Mary's perpetual virginity (Lk 1: 34). First, we must not confuse Immaculate Conception and virginal conception. The former refers to the fact that Mary was conceived without original
points to the fact that Jesus was Mary's only child (Jn 19: 25-27). Mary is alone with her Son at the foot of the Cross and Jesus entrusts her to the apostle John. If Mary had had other children, wouldn't [...] Macrina the Younger Mary's Virginity (II) From the first centuries, the Church's tradition has upheld the virginal conception, as St Ignatius of Antioch testifies. Concerning Mary's perpetual virginity [...] wouldn't Jesus normally have entrusted his mother to them? Much more could be said about Mary's virginity and the profound beauty of this poignant reality.
(Take a minute to express your heartfelt thoughts to Mary in personal prayer.) Now Mary please turn your gaze on me... (Take a minute to experience Mary's gentle presence in the silence of your soul.) Thank [...] (5th C.) O Mary My Mother! Let me nestle up close on your heart, like your son Jesus, where I will be safe. Protect me, console me, reassure me, and comfort me. Listen to me as your own child, Mary my mother [...] mother, I am your child. By the Holy Spirit, lead me to my Father in Heaven because I am his child. O Mary my mother! Amen.
July 03 - Our Lady of la Carolle, (Paris, 1418) Mary at Lesotho (I) One day Father Oblat was trekking across the high mountains of Lesotho, with a rosary in his hand, visiting the Christians spread here
July 4 - Our Lady Refuge of Sinners Mary at Lesotho (II) While the catechist was preparing things for the baptism, the father asked the patient some questions to which she answered without hesitation. [...] God. Without delaying any further, the priest gave her the sacrament. When he spoke these words, "Mary, I baptize you..." a radiant joy lit up her face and a new force of life flowed through her. The priest
July 01 - Our Lady of Happy Deliverance (Paris, France) Mary, the New Eve When Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to thy word," she was found to be obedient. Eve [...] the knots. Thus, the knot of Eve's disobedience was untied by Mary's obedience, for what Eve had tied by her lack of faith the Virgin Mary untied with her great faith. [...] by her disobedience, became the cause of death for herself and the entire human race; so also did Mary, betrothed to man but nevertheless a virgin, by yielding obedience, become the cause of salvation
June 29 - Our Lady of Buglose (France, 1634) Mary, Mother of the Living Carry me on the wings of your prayers, O you who are called the Mother of the living, so that on my exit from this valley of tears
Perpetual Help (1866) -- Saint Cyril of Alexandria (d. circa 444) We Salute You, O Mary, Mother of God We salute you, O Mary, Mother of God, treasure of the universe, inextinguishable flame, crown of virginity [...] celebrate the ineffable greatness of Mary? She is Mother and Virgin at the same time. Through her, peace has been restored to the world. What peace? Our Lord Jesus Christ, Whom Mary has brought forth!
June 26 - Our Lady of Consolation (Rome, Italy, 1470) Joseph and Mary: The Holy Married Couple We see that at the beginning of the New Testament, as at the beginning of the Old, there is a married couple [...] couple. But whereas Adam and Eve were the source of evil which was unleashed on the world, Joseph and Mary are the summit from which holiness spreads all over the earth. The Savior began the work of salvation
June 12 - Apparition of Our Lady to Saint Herman (France, 13th C.) Mary, Mother of Jesus Mary, Mother of Jesus, give me your heart, so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate, that I may be able to receive Jesus
