March 10, 1999
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Prayer for 1999 – Year of God the Father
New Book: God the Father of Mercy
St. Joseph, Spouse of the Virgin Mary
Prayers to St. Joseph
Mary's Maternal Feelings
O Afflicted Virgin
Conversations with Mary
Our Lady of Penrhys
Students and the Rosary
Hams for Mary?
New Book: Seven Sorrows, Seven Joys
Prayer for 1999 – Year of God the Father
We praise you, Father, forever!
Father most merciful, during this Holy Year may our love for you and for our neighbor grow
ever stronger, may Christ's disciples promote justice and peace, may they proclaim the Good
News to the poor, and may the church our Mother direct her love especially to the little ones and
the neglected.
We praise you, Father, forever!
Father of justice, may the great jubilee be the fitting time for all Catholics to rediscover the
joy of living by your word and obeying your will; may they know the goodness of fraternal
communion as they break bread together and praise you in hymns and inspired songs.
We praise you, Father, forever!
Father, rich in mercy, may the holy jubilee be a time of openness, of dialogue and encounter,
among all who believe in Christ and with the followers of other religions: in your immense love,
be bountiful in mercy to all.
We praise you, Father, forever!
O God, Almighty Father, as we make our way to you, our ultimate destiny, may all your
children experience the gentle company of Mary, most holy, image of purest love, whom you
chose to be Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church.
We praise you, Father, forever!
To you, Father of life, eternal source of all that is, highest good and everlasting light, be
honor and glory, praise and thanksgiving, with the Son and with the Spirit for ages unending.
Amen
God, the Father of Mercy is an extensive document prepared by the Theological-
Historical Commission for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. It has been published in book
form by The Crossroad Publishing Company, A Herder & Herder Book, 1998. [ISBN 0-
8245-1778-4] The cover brief states:
Third Year of Preparation for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000
1999 – Year of God the FatherBlessed are you, Lord Father in heaven, who, in your infinite mercy, came to us in
our distress and gave us Jesus, your son, born of a woman, to be our Savior and friends, our
brother and redeemer. We thank you, good Father, for the gift of the jubilee year; make it a time
of favor for us, the year of a great return to the Father's house, where, full of love, you await
your straying children to embrace them in your forgiveness and welcome them to your table, in
their festive garments.
An accessible study aid for adult catechesis and religious education prepared by a
special theological commission established by The Central Organizing Committee for the Great
Jubilee of the Year 2000 at the Vatican, this book follows Jesus Christ, Word of the Father:
The Savior of the World and The Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life. It is the third
in the series of four volumes on the Son, the Spirit, the Father, and the Eucharist, to be published
one per year to assist adults in their preparation for the Holy Year 2000. This book offers a
general overview of the mystery of God the Father, taking up the theme designated for the year
1999 in Pope John Paul II's encyclical On the Coming of the Third Millennium: "The
whole of the Christian life is like a great pilgrimage to the house of the Father, whose
unconditional love for every human creature, and in particular for the 'eternal son,' we discover
anew each day."
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The book contains an entire chapter devoted to Mary, the Holy Trinity's
Sign of Mercy. Mary is the object of God's mercy. She is God's lowly and poor one. As the
document states: "Mary becomes the prophet of God's mercy, as well as its icon. She as no one
else knows the mystery of mercy that reaches its climax on Calvary. The Virgin who became the
Mother of Jesus at Christmas, enabling God's mercy to become incarnate, on Calvary becomes
the Mother of the Church, expanding her bowels of mercy toward all of her children." According the to tradition Mary has been called upon as Mother of Mercy since the 3rd century. Several examples from the writings of the Fathers are given wherein Mary is noted for her mercy in imitation of God who is mercy. In Ethiopia, a devotion developed known as Mary, covenant of mercy. This devotion is explained in greater detail.
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Finally, the chapter closes with a quote from the Holy Father:
Our consideration of Mary brings us to what John Paul II has written on his own account apropos of the year devoted to the theme of God the Father:
In all of this ample assignment of tasks, Mary Most Holy, the Father's daughter of predilection, will be present to the regard of the faithful as the perfect example of love of God and neighbor alike.... The Father has chosen Mary for a unique mission in salvation history-that of being the mother of the long-awaited Savior. The Virgin has responded to God's call with full availability: "Here am I, the servant of the Lord" (Luke 1:38). Her motherhood, begun at Nazareth and lived to the fullest on the hill outside Jerusalem at the foot of the cross, will be felt in this year as an affectionate, pressing invitation addressed to God's children to return to their Father's house, as they hear her motherly voice: "Do what Christ tells you" (cf. John 2:5). (TMA, 54)
St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Also available on the Internet is the encyclical, 
March 19th is the liturgical celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph, Husband of the Virgin Mary.
In terms of the Sacred Scriptures, one cannot think of Mary without Joseph. To assist our readers
in preparing for this feast, some prayers in honor of St. Joseph are provided below. These well
known prayers have been gathered together in a compendium of prayers published by Pauline
Books & Media, My Favorite Prayers and Novenas, 1997.
27 If through Christ's humanity this love shone on all mankind, the first beneficiaries were undoubtedly those whom the divine will had most intimately associated with itself: Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and Joseph, his presumed father.Why should the "fatherly" love of Joseph not have had an influence upon the "filial" love of Jesus? And vice versa, why should the "filial" love of Jesus not have had an influence upon the "fatherly" love of Joseph, thus leading to a further deepening of their unique relationship? Those souls most sensitive to the impulses of divine love have rightly seen in Joseph a brilliant example of the interior life.
Furthermore, in Joseph, the apparent tension between the active and the contemplative life finds an ideal harmony that is only possible for those who possess the perfection of charity. Following St. Augustine's well-known distinction between the love of the truth (caritas veritatis) and the practical demands of love (necessitas caritatis), we can say that Joseph experienced both love of the truth--that pure contemplative love of the divine Truth which radiated from the humanity of Christ--and the demands of love--that equally pure and selfless love required for his vocation to safeguard and develop the humanity of Jesus, which was inseparably linked to his divinity.
28 At a difficult time in the Church's history, Pope Pius IX, wishing to place her under the powerful patronage of the holy patriarch Joseph, declared him "Patron of the Catholic Church." For Pius IX this was no idle gesture, since by virtue of the sublime dignity which God has granted to his most faithful servant Joseph, "the Church, after the Blessed Virgin, his spouse, has always held him in great honor and showered him with praise, having recourse to him amid tribulations."
What are the reasons for such great confidence? Leo XIII explained it in this way: "The reasons why St. Joseph must be considered the special patron of the Church, and the Church in turn draws exceeding hope from his care and patronage, chiefly arise from his having been the husband of Mary and the presumed father of Jesus..., Joseph was in his day the lawful and natural guardian, head and defender of the Holy Family.... It is thus fitting and most worthy of Joseph's dignity that, in the same way that he once kept unceasing holy watch over the family of Nazareth, so now does he protect and defend with his heavenly patronage the Church of Christ."
By this sorrow and joy of yours, we ask you to comfort us with the joy of a good life, followed by a holy death, patterned after your own, in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)
By this sorrow and joy, we beg you to obtain for us the grace to one day hear the angelic songs of praise and rejoice in the shining splendor of heavenly glory.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)
By this sorrow and joy, obtain for us the grace to be numbered among those who, through the merits of Jesus and the intercession of Mary, are destined to enjoy eternal salvation.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)
By this sorrow and joy, obtain for us the grace to keep ourselves safe from the evil one, especially by fleeing spiritual dangers; may every idol of earthly affection be recognized and rejected by us; may we become wholly engaged in serving Jesus and Mary, and for them alone may we live and happily die.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)
By this sorrow and joy, obtain for us deliverance from harmful fears, so that we may rejoice in peace of conscience and live in safety with Jesus and Mary, and like you, may die in their company.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)
By this sorrow and joy, we beg you to keep us from ever having the misfortune of losing Jesus through mortal sin. But if this grave misfortune should befall us, grant that we may seek Jesus with sorrow until we find him again, ready to show us his mercy, especially at the hour of death. Thus may we enjoy his presence in heaven, and there, in company with you, sing the praises of his divine mercy forever.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)
[Source: My favorite Prayers and Novenas, Pauline Books & Media, ISBN 0-8198-2664-2]
To St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Patron of the Church
O glorious St. Joseph, you were chosen by God to be the foster father of Jesus, the chaste spouse of Mary ever Virgin, and the head of the Holy Family. You were then appointed by the Vicar of Christ to be the heavenly patron and defender of the Church founded by Jesus. Most confidently I ask your powerful help for the pilgrim Church. Shield especially with your fatherly love the Holy Father and all the bishops and priests in union with the See of Peter. Defend all who labor for the Gospel amid the trials and tribulations of this life. May all the peoples of the earth find a spiritual home in that Church which is the ark of salvation for all.
St. Joseph, please also accept this dedication of myself which I now make to you. I dedicate myself wholly to you, that you may ever be my father, my patron and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me great purity of heart and a fervent devotion to the interior life. Grant that, following your example, I may direct all my actions to the greater glory of God, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and your own heart. Finally, pray for me that I may partake in the peace and joy which were yours at the hour of your holy death. Amen.
[Source: My favorite Prayers and Novenas, Pauline Books & Media, ISBN 0-8198-2664-2]
Lord, have mercy on us.[Source: My favorite Prayers and Novenas, Pauline Books & Media, ISBN 0-8198-2664-2]
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the World,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, One God,
Holy Mary, pray for us.St. Joseph,
Renowned offspring of David,
Light of patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
Foster father of the Son of God,
Diligent protector of Christ,
Head of the Holy Family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most strong,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of artisans,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of suffering,
Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of Holy Church,Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.V. He made him lord of his household,
R. And ruler over all his possessions.Let us pray. O God, in your providence you chose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother. Grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have as our intercessor in heaven him whom we venerate as our protector on earth. You live and reign forever and ever, Amen.
I salute you, Joseph, image of God the Father.[Source: My favorite Prayers and Novenas, Pauline Books & Media, ISBN 0-8198-2664-2]
I salute you, Joseph, reputed foster father of God the Son.
I salute you, Joseph, sanctuary of the Holy Spirit.
I salute you, Joseph, beloved of the Most blessed Trinity.
I salute you, Joseph, spiritual father of the faithful.
I salute you, Joseph, guardian of virginal souls.
I salute you, Joseph, model of patience and gentleness.
I salute you, Joseph, mirror of humility and obedience.
I salute you, Joseph, protector of the holy Church.
Blessed are the eyes which have seen what you have seen.
Blessed are the ears which have heard what you have heard.
Blessed are the hands which have touched the Word Incarnate.
Blessed are your arms which carried him who carries all things.
Blessed are your arms in which the Son of God quietly rested.
Blessed is your heart, which, on the heart of Jesus, was inflamed with ardent love.
Blessed be the Eternal Father, who chose you for so sublime a dignity.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, who sanctified you in so marvelous a manner.
Blessed be Mary, your spouse, who loved you as her spouse and brother.
Blessed be the angel who guarded you on earth.
Blessed forever be all who venerate and love you.
Mary's Maternal Feelings
Mary's Feelings Toward Jesus:
It is legitimate theology to conclude that what is true of human beings also applies to Mary
unless we know differently from what faith tells us (that she was sinless is an example). While it
is true that we do not venerate Mary because of her socio-cultural context (Marialis Cultus 35),
there are certain characteristics of Mary that are universal in time and place. Such is what is
called "maternal instinct." The exceptions prove the rule. So we can conclude in theology that
Mary showed maternal love and care to Jesus as he was growing up. She fed him. She taught
him. And she loved him. Jesus was her Son. She worried about him. He was always on her
mind.
The tender love of Mary for her son, Jesus, is evidenced in Mark 3:21, 31-35. True that
blood relationship does not make her worthy of special veneration. Jesus' relatives had to have
faith to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. While Mark does not say whether Mary and Jesus'
relatives were people of faith, the other evangelists do. Matthew tells us that she is the
woman of the promised new covenant of Jesus. Luke tells us even more about her
holiness
and faith.
Jesus was taught by Mary and Joseph to take care of himself. He took time out to pray (Mk
6:46). Jesus worried about others (6:34, 37). He learned this from Mary and Joseph. When Mary
worried about his overdoing his work, it was not in opposition to his work (as the Scribes
opposed him, 3:22). It was due to her maternal love and worry.
Grace builds on nature. Mary's unique holiness was based on her natural instincts as a person
who loved, as a mother who cared for and worried about her Son. As a human person, she had a
huge capacity for love.
Mary's Feelings Toward Us:
In the nineteenth chapter of the gospel of John Mary is given to the Beloved Disciple as his
mother. "Behold you Mother!" And the disciple took her into his own (life). The Beloved
Disciple remains nameless. He represents everyone who loves and serves God and people as
Jesus did. Jesus gave him the gift of his own mother. And he took her into his own life. He
represents us, the Church. We receive two gifts, each one of us, from the dying Jesus. We receive
the gift of his own mother. And we receive the gift of his own Holy Spirit, as the Gospel says.
We are "beloved" by Christ if we live as he did. And we have the love of his own tender mother
for us as her sons and daughters.
This is the spiritual maternity of Mary – who is given to us, the Church, as gift.
[Source: Fr. Walter Brennan, OSM, Marian Update, #58 Lent, 1999]
The Pieta of Nouans |
Afflicted Virgin, great in virtues as in sorrows, both the one and the other spring from theat
intense fire of love burning in your heart for God, the only love of your heart! My Mother, have
pity of me. I have loved God so little, and have greatly offended him. Your sorrows, it is true,
assure me of pardon, but that is not sufficient. I wish to love God. Who could obtain for me that
grace if not you, who are the Mother of holy love? Mary, you console everyone; hasten, then, to
console me also. Amen. [Source: My favorite Prayers and Novenas, Pauline Books & Media, ISBN 0-8198-2664-2] |
Conversations with Mary
Mary Page has received a meditation that deeply touches the heart from Rita Troshynski of
Stamford, Connecticut. Rita has given us permission to post this meditation on the web for others
to share.
I was lucky. I grew up in a house with Mary, and she and my Mom were friends.
Mom said the Rosary every day that I can remember, called it her "beads."
This is how I imagine those conversations evolved.
"Mary, are you there," the young girl cried. "We have no money, and my dad is out with his
friends again. My baby sister has no shoes." And Mary quietly replied, "I'm right here. Don't
worry. Your Mom will set things right." And the young girl dried her tears and fell asleep
praying her beads, assured.
"Mary, where are you?" the young bride asked. "I'm married now, and I'm scared, Mary. You
also married young, with a much more frightening job. Please help me, tell me how." And Mary
replied, "Love your husband, no matter what – love each child in its own right,
and keep God in your house." And the young bride counted her beads with renewed
confidence.
"Mary, why have you left me? I really need you. My son was born dead, my husband hurts, my
family is disappointed in me." And Mary, weeping herself, could only say, "I, too, lost a Son. I
know your hurt! God has his reasons – but today I cannot make you feel better. Today we
shall weep together." And that night, the rosary itself was moist with tears.
"Mary, Mary my mother is dead – too soon – in a car accident. How can I go on
without my mother? My children without a grandmother?" The Blessed Mother quietly assured
her, "I will be your mother in your need." And the young mother finally slept, praying her beads
through dull pain.
"Mary, how could you let this happen?! My brother has drowned. Edward was my rock,
my strength." "We were all there, he was a strong swimmer – he was laughing in the sun.
He should not be dead!" And finally she slept, angry, no beads that
night. And Mary's comforting words, unheard, could not console.
But Mary was there, every day – and the friendship and the bond between her and the
young mother deepened. "Mary, did you see my daughter today when she got the reading
award?" And Mary smiled. And the beads were said in thanksgiving that day.
"Why me, Mary, why cancer, why now?" she challenged. "I'm not done with the kids yet." And
she prayed her beads in desperation. Mary's answer? "Have faith and you will live to complete
his plan for you, your work." And she did, another 30 years of rosaries.
"Aren't they great teachers, Mary, my daughters? You know, your Son was a teacher.
Thanks to God they're passing it on." And Mary replied, "It's not our doing, Mary Ellen
– but it is beautiful to see." And the beads were sung in joy.
And as the grandchildren came along, each one beautiful, each one perfect, those moments were
shared in rosaries of thanks, the two Mary's celebrating motherhood. And when baby Theresa
was killed in the car accident, and everyone mourned, the beads were said in sadness, but not
despair. "Mary, please look after her until I get there," she prayed. "I can rest – knowing
we have an angel at home with you."
And throughout all those years, one everyday days, the prayers were recited, even when the
beads were not in her hands
– sometimes counting the knives and forks at the kitchen sink, in those pre-
dishwasher days
– sometimes in pulling the garden weeds, on the hot summer days between the carrot
and tomato rows
– sometimes gathering the eggs, or picking stalks of wild asparagus by 10's
– and sometimes listening to the meadowlark on spring walks with her daughters.
But always the beads were said. –
Always Mary was invited into the house
And in the last days the woman, older now, said, "Mary, I'm ready. I miss my husband, my
children are grown, my work done. Please, ask your Son if it's time." And Mary counseled,
"We can't know when your time is." So the beads were said with patience, every single
day. And when her time had come, she took with her the old black beads, worn, stained
with tears, leaving behind for me the treasured Irish marble rosary (hoping I am sure that I would
wear it out).
I can only image the scene at heaven's gate. I expect she walked right up to St. Peter, this
tenacious Irish woman, and asked, "Could I speak to the Blessed Mother please?" And I visualize
that Mary beckoned her in. "Welcome, Mary Ellen. I've been expecting you. I'd know
you anywhere. I recognize the beads."
At the time of the dissolution of the monasteries, Latimer wrote to Cromwell
suggesting the destruction of five of the most renowned Shrines of Our Lady, including
Penrhys. The image was sent to Cromwell's own house in Chelsea on the 14th
September, 1538. There it was burnt publicly together with the statues of Walsingham,
Ipswich and other images on September 26th, 1538.
In spite of everything, the faithful continued to visit Penrhys and pray here to Our Lady
for 400 years. There is record of such devotion up until 1842, although barely a trace of
the original shrine or buildings remained. But in the early years of this century little
groups of pilgrims again wound their way up the mountainside to the well. In 1912
excavations were carried out which unearthed fragments of glass and tiles; and in the
farm house, original timbers were found. A church was built at Ferndale 2 miles away
from the shrine. It was built as a memorial church largely through the generosity and
efforts of a Miss M. M. Davies of Llantrisant, a convert. The same devoted lady also
procured for this church a beautiful oak replica of the ancient statue of Penrhys,
standing in a richly carved tree trunk. This beautiful work of art can still be seen in
Ferndale Church.
It was not until 1936, that the pilgrimages were revived, and it was about this time, in
1939, that the Rhondda Borough Council, took it upon themselves to preserve the historical well,
and put railings around it for the first time. Two years later, the ground where the statue is
situated, was given to Archbishop Mostyn for the Archdiocese of Cardiff, by Miss M. M. Davies.
The pilgrimages had continued to come, even though there was no statue. The present statue was
officially erected and blessed on the site itself, by Archbishop McGrath on the 2nd July, 1953. It
had been designed to resemble as near as possible the description of the original statue, found in
Medieval Welsh poetry, and carved of Portland Stone.
More about Our Lady's shrine at Penrhys can be found at their website: Conversations with Mary
– to visit
– to counsel
– to comfort
And always Mary came!
The Legend of Penrhys, is lost in obscurity and mystery, but there definitely was great
devotion to Our Blessed Lady here, and a nearby spring or well had come to be known
as miraculous.
Students and the Rosary
WORLD YOUTH DAY CROSS IS GOING TO ROMAN UNIVERSITIES
University Students around the World Pray the Rosary with the Pope
VATICAN CITY, MAR 7 (ZENIT).- It was a "first" at the Vatican. The
traditional first Saturday of the month Rosary, led by John Paul II,
included university students from Buenos Aires, New York, Santiago de
Compostela and Czestochowa, participating through live audio and video
transmissions.
This moment of prayer began the pilgrimage of the World Youth Day cross to
the Roman universities. Throughout the month, it will continue its path
through public, private, and Pontifical universities and colleges.
At the end of the Rosary, the Holy Father prayed for the gift of
reconciliation for all university students worldwide. "Recognize in the
cross the most eloquent sign of the Lord's mercy, capable of awakening in
every academic community a renewed impetus toward the Lord, who is the
principle and certainty of every branch of intellectual research."
The Pope greeted the university students of Buenos Aires in Spanish:
"Dear young people, you have the mission to motivate your university
communities in view of the Great Jubilee, which is an occasion for
profound spiritual and cultural renewal." After greeting the New York and
Czestochowa university students in English and Polish respectively, the
Pontiff addressed the students of Santiago de Compostela, who were
gathered in the cathedral of that city. "I thank you for the enthusiasm
with which you have participated in this meeting, giving your direct
testimony, in the context of the Jubilee year of Compostela. I assure you
of my prayer so that it will be an occasion of grace for the many
university students who will participate next August in the European
meeting of youth. I have great confidence that this endeavor will
encourage university environments to prepare adequately for the Jubilee."
At the end of the meeting, the World Youth Day cross was carried in a
torch-lit procession from Saint Peter's Square to the headquarters of the
LUNSA Roman Catholic University, which is near the Vatican. The cross'
pilgrimage will end with the celebration of the diocesan World Youth Day
on Palm Sunday. ZE99030708
{Source: ZENIT News Agency
Mary Page received the following request. Is anyone out there who can oblige?
Date sent: Sun, 07 Mar 1999 22:33:45 -0500
I was a college student in the '60s, at Fairfield University, Fairfield,
CT. Ham radio stations were common on college campuses at that time. Ours
was W1THX. I have learned that Maximilian Kolbe was licensed by the Polish
government before WW 2 as SP3RN. He certainly can be considered the patron
Saint of Ham Radio, if not patron of Communications -- as he was so
prolific in setting up printing presses at his missions. Do you have any
information as to an apostolate of amateur radio operators who promote
Marian devotion? Thaddeus A. Figlock W1HGY.
From: Ted
To: roten@data.lib.udayton.edu
Subject: Amateur (HAM) Radio
Seven Sorrows Seven Joys – Sonnets in Meditation on Mary's Life by Ann W. Astell with illustrations by Faith Astell Albert is a new publication of The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute. Fr. Johann G. Roten, S.M., Director of the Institute writes in the foreword:
Art and Spirituality is a series of brief monographs published by The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute. Its purpose is to promote personal meditation. In general, each issue is based on a focal image of religious character, preferably with a Marian theme.
Seven Sorrows, Seven Joys: Sonnets in Meditation on Mary's Life departs from this schema but pursues the same goal. In this second issue of Art and spirituality both word and image are vehicles of meditation. They both illustrate the meaning of pondering, which is a spiritual form of moving the cradle to and fro. God's own Word is cradled in the heart of the believer. It begs to be rocked and rolled and cuddled to reveal its secrets and disclose the depth of its love. This is what artist and poet set out to achieve in this booklet. They represent two different voices singing the same tune, Mary's life. Following in the footsteps of Mary of Nazareth, the poet tries to intuit and recreate in sonnets filled with noble empathy the seven sorrows and seven joys of her pilgrimage of faith. The artist captures and frames the wealth fo poetic imagery in weightless drawings, beckoning the reader to enter the mysteries of Mary. Though differing in artistic expression, the two artist-sisters are of one heart as they tell us: "Mary's human discipleship becomes ours, and ours becomes hers."
This booklet owes its existence to a God-human interest story. The story is about God, two sisters, call and response. God manifests his presence in one sister (the poet) as call, and in te other sister (the artist) as response. The result is a beautiful conversion story, pointing once more to the manifold ways of God's coming among us, ink drawings and sonnets included.
John 19:25 |
She stood when other women would have dropped and fallen down and clawed the quaking ground. She stood and shared His silence when the wails of weeping women bound the air with sound and held it heavy. Ever breath a blow, their keening shrill like wind that rips the rain and blasts the birches back and black. She stood– and no one else could have withstood the pain she felt with every welt, with every strike and stripe and burst of blood, with every moan. She stood where Christ could see her constancy, be comforted that He was not alone. Compassionate, she watched Him writhe and rise, a crucifixion in her steady eyes.
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This book can be obtained at The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute via our
e-mail below or in postal form at:
The Marian Library / 300 College Park / Dayton, OH 45469-1390.
Mary and God the Father
Mary Page will begin publishing a compendium of themes that have surfaced in magisterial
documents from Vatican II to the present. The first set of themes correspond to the Year of
God our Father as recommended by Pope John Paul II in preparation for the turn of the
millennium. This week's theme, Mary and God the Father, is a main trinitarian theme with
various sub-themes. The source for the themes is also given. The themes will be presented
sequentially in following Mary Page news features. You will find this resource at:
Mary and God the Father: Daughter of the Father
Mary Page, maintained by The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute, Dayton, Ohio 45469-1390, was last modified Thursday, 09-Aug-2001 14:12:52 EDT by Michael P. Duricy. Please send any comments to Johann.Roten@udayton.edu.
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