The Mary Page presents the following answers to questions received from our readers which we consider  to be of general interest. Answers to questions received recently are listed first.
Answers to questions previously received are grouped by subject below.  

 

Recent Questions Is there Marian content in The Sound of Music? Your Questions by Subject Subjects A through J Subjects K through Z Apparitions Life of Mary Art Mary & Millennium Assumption Mary as Disciple Customs Mary as Model Devotees Mary in the Liturgy Devotions Mother of God, Theotokos Ecumenism Poetry & Hymns Images Shrines Immaculate Conception Titles Information Virginity of Mary Intercession Various Miscellany Joseph Apparitions Apparitions in General Is Mary of the "Little Lamb" the Blessed Virgin Mary? What is the latest news about Kibeho (Rwanda)? Why do there seem to be so many Marian apparitions? What Marian apparitions have been recognized by ecclesiastical authorities? How does the bishop of a diocese go about verifying an apparition, and what does it mean if ecclesial approval is granted? What about apparitions yesterday and today? Does the study of the "Catholic Mary" necessarily include the study of apparitions? Why are there so many titles attributed to "adoration" of her? In baseball, teams are considered to be major league or minor league. Applying that concept to apparitions, which ones would you consider to be "major league"? Why does Mary have so many different faces when appearing to her devotees? Only to a fortunate few? Mostly to young people? What are locutions? Have people studied the images reported in the eyes of the portrait of Our Lady of Guadalupe? Apparitions by Country Australia What is the Catholic Church's stand on the movement in Australia known as Mary's Magnificat Meal? Bosnia Herzegovina What about Medjugorje? Canada What can you tell me about Our Lady of the Iceberg? China What do we know about Tong-lu? Egypt In Egypt? France What happened at La Salette and what is the spirit of that event? What is the history of Mary's appearance at Pontmain? Is it true that one of the Seers at Pontmain retracted her story? Who is Our Lady of Pellevoisin? Germany What can you tell me about apparitions in Marpingen, Germany? Do you have any information about the Heede apparitions in Germany? Do you have any more information about the 1940 Marienfried apparitions in Germany? Italy Is the Civitavecchia weeping statue a miracle? What is the history of the Rosa Mystica apparitions at Montechiari, Italy? What is the mission of the Rosa Mystica? Have you heard about the Sofferetti (Calabria) apparitions? Mexico What do the symbols in the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe mean? Philippines What is the history behind the apparitions at Lipa? Have they been approved by the Catholic Church? What is the story behind the images of the rose petals in the Philippines? Poland What information do you have about the miracle in Gietrzwald, Poland? Can you provide me with information and the image of the Virgin of Lichen/Poland? Portugal What did Our Lady say about her Heart at Fatima? Does the Third Secret of Fatima reveal apocalyptic events? Who was Sister Lucia dos Santos? United States of America What should we believe about the alleged apparition at the Mother Cabrini Shrine in Denver? In USA? Seers of Apparitions What was Saint John Bosco's dream about Mary and the Eucharist? What is the identity of the nun to whom Mary appeared and told her where she lived in Ephesus (Turkey) during the last years of her life? (Anna Katharina Emmerick) Can you tell me about a nineteenth century mystic who wrote about Mary's life? (Anna Katharina Emmerick) What is the stand of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding the writing and messages of Mrs. Vassula Ryden? What are the regulations regarding publication of private revelations? What to think of Mary of Agreda and her Mystical City of God? Art What image of Mary is the most popular? Why does Mary always wear light blue? What are the appropriate colors for "Mary" to wear in the processions of Holy Week? Did St. Luke paint Mary? In particular, is he the painter of the famous icon of Vladimir? Where can the earliest image of the marriage of the Virgin be found? Why doesn't the Catholic Church discourage bowing down to images of Mary or Jesus or any icon? Can you tell me more about the Image Our Lady of Torreciudad in Spain? What is the origin and meaning of the icon entitled Eleousa? What do you know about the Bodenhausen Madonna? Immaculate Conception Tapestries of the Reims Cathedral Is there any significance to the knots in Mary's garments? Is there a particular place in the Church where a statue of Mary may be placed? Where can I find a Marian image, statue, rosary, book? What do the letters MRA refer to in Marian art? Describe the history of Christian art showing Mary suckling baby Jesus. How is the cedar tree a symbol of Mary? What can you tell me about painted crèches and the painted crèches of Ústí nad Orlicí in the Czech Republic? Can you tell me more about a painting of the Virgin Mary with a white cord full of knots? What is the meaning of the cut-off hands in representations of Mary's Dormition? Can you tell me more about the icons of the Dormition which include the figure of "Jephonias" with his hands cut off? Why are there images of Mary without Jesus? Can you provide me with information on how the pagan literary motif of the nursing mother was adapted to refer to the Virgin Mary, and whether there were many artistic or literary depictions of this scene in late Medieval Europe? What is the first representation of Mary's betrothal to Joseph? What is the meaning of the crescent moon that Mary is sometimes pictured standing upon? A cat in the manger ...? Is there a particular rendition of the letter "M" which is commonly recognized as the symbol of Mary?  Is there such a title or image as Our Lady of the Thumb? Mary and the scallop shell? Can you tell us about Mary knitting? Can you tell me about the Carmelite image of Mary known as "La Brune"? What is a Vierge Ouvrante or Shrine Madonna? Where did the Annunciation take place? Art shows different scenes. Where is de bruine lieve vrouw (the Brown Madonna of Lier) now? What is the History of the Cord Rosary? What is the Mano Poderosa? What about Our Lady Of China? Where do the many Nativity motifs--cave, ox and ass, and many more--come from? Explain the symbolism of the statue of Our Lady of the Trinity in Blois, France. Do you have any information about a shrine or devotion to Mary as the "Madonna of the Street"? Is there a Marian symbolism related to the moon? The Parrot with Our Lady? Assumption What are the Marian dogmas? What is the Scriptural Support?   Customs General What is meant by the expression "Age of Mary"? What is the earliest reference to the promise, "A devout child of Mary will never be lost"? How does one decide how to establish a patronal feast? Why does a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary go from home to home in some communities? What is the significance and/or history of cherry wood as it relates to Mary? What about the Solemnity of Mary? Is it the circumcision of Jesus? When is Marian devotion exaggerated? Why is Mary in the Stations of the Cross? Why is Mary included in the fourth and thirteenth Stations of the Cross since there is no specific biblical reference to this? Why is Mary wearing red? What is the origin of the May Altar? What is the History of the May Devotion? Smelling Roses--What is the Meaning? What can you tell me about this image Matka Boska Gromniczna--Mother of God of the Blessed "Thunder Candle?" Institutes Who are the Militia of the Immaculate?   Devotees of Mary Where can I get information about Visitation/Elizabeth ministry in honor of Mary? What is known about the Marian devotion of Saint Therese of Lisieux? Christopher Columbus and Mary: How Marian was he? What is the Marian Movement of Priests?   Devotions Chaplets & Rosary Information in obtaining the following three chaplets: The chaplet of Saint Philomena, The Star of the Sea chaplet, and The chaplet of the Immaculate Conception (St. John Berchmans) Is there a chaplet, rosary or some other devotion to the seven joys of Mary? How did the rosary originate? Is there a biblical basis for the rosary? What is the meaning of the first part of the rosary? How do you pray the rosary? What are the origins of the title Our Lady of the Rosary? What is the fiat rosary? Are there special virtues attached to the fifteen mysteries of the rosary? Is it proper to say the rosary during mass? What is the missionary rosary? Are there any instructions for praying the rosary at a wake? Are the "Rosary Novenas to Our Lady" available on the internet? Is there an easy way to start teaching a kindergartner how to pray the rosary? In both churches I attend (Ukrainian rite & Roman) May is dedicated to Mary. In the Roman Church I attend on weekdays we say the rosary before Mass just as we do in October (in my Ukrainian rite we say the rosary before Mass throughout the year). Is saying the rosary before or after mass during the month of May universal in the Roman Church? When, where and how (or why) did this originate? Will God ignore my rosary if I am at my worst at concentration? Why is the rosary divided into groups of ten Hail Marys? What is the historical origin of the devotion to Our Blessed Lady of the Chain? Explain the devotion to black madonnas associated with Candlemas. What did Montfort have to say about the efficacy of the rosary? Can you tell me anything about the origin of the fifteen Promises of Mary? What is the block rosary? What is the origin of the practice of reciting "Jesus, forgive us our sins ... "in relation to the Rosary? What is the origin of the term, "rosary"? What is a Russian rosary? Is there a Lutheran rosary? What is the Anglican rosary? Is there a Carthusian rosary? Consecration What is the meaning of consecration? Could you please explain "the total consecration to Jesus through Mary" according to the norm of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort? Is there a difference in consecration for Maximilian Kolbe and Grignion de Montfort? What is the origin of the expression "To Jesus through Mary"? Coronation What is the origin of the custom to place a crown on Mary's head? Was Our Lady of Guadalupe ever crowned? Could you provide information on coronations of the Virgin Mary? Garden & Woodland & Vale How do religious names of flowers originate? I would love to grow Castilian roses. Do you know where I can find one? Are lady bugs or lady beetles named for the Virgin Mary? Scapular What is a scapular? How is the title, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, related to the devotion of the scapular? Explain the 'blue scapular' devotion. What is the black scapular (Our Lady of Dolors)? Particular Devotions Is Our Lady of Loreto considered the patron saint of aviators? Do you have information on the Divina Infantita (Since Vatican II called the little Immaculate Mary) or in Italy called Maria Bambina? What is the Legion of Mary? Why do people put Mary statues in their yards? Why are candles lit in front of Mary's statue? Can you tell me about devotion to Mary as Our Lady of Perpetual Help? What is the source of my parish's name: Our Lady of Grace? What are 'Marian Years'? Explain devotion to Mary as "Our Lady of Sorrows." What can you tell me about Mary as Patroness of America? Explain why Saturday is devoted to Our Lady and what the requirements of the devotion of the five First Saturdays are? Are there also other "Saturday" devotions honoring Mary? Mary's Co-redemption: Will there be a new dogma soon? Do the twelve stars in Revelation 12, 1 refer to the twelve apostles? My sister wants me to demonstrate to her where it says in the Bible: "To Jesus through Mary" (she does not believe this). How can I best answer her? How is Mary venerated in the Philippines? Tell me about devotions to Our Lady of Mercy. What about the sorrows of Mary? What is the origin of the custom of the bride depositing flowers on Mary's altar? What is the purpose of the Legion of Mary? Where can I find meditations on the sorrows of Mary? What is the twelve-star Devotion? Prayers What is the Little Office? What is the most popular prayer to Mary? Should we be praying "Rejoice, Mary" instead of "Hail Mary"? Should we use "highly-favored one" instead of "full of grace" in the Hail Mary? Why doesn't the Angelus prayer correspond to chronological biblical texts? What does Mary have to do with indulgences? Could you please give me a comprehensive definition of the novena. What is the novena? How did it start? What is it supposed to achieve? What are its benefits to us? Who wrote the Angelus prayer? What is the seven decade rosary? When do we say the Little Office and what is the meaning of the various hours? Ecumenism How can I tell my Protestant friends about Mary? What about Mary and non-Christian religions? Is Mary mentioned in the Quran? With all the ghosts in upbringing, how do people of differing Christian faiths find common insight on Mary? Why are there differences among Christian denominations regarding Mary?   Images Who is Our Lady of the Smile? Will you tell me about S. Maria del Sacro Monte of Viggiano, Italy? Please tell me about Our Lady of Good Success. Could you give me information on Maria Pocs? What is the history of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Cape? Chamber of the Trinity Who is the Niño de Atocha (Christ-child of Atocha)? Can you tell me more about Our Lady with the inkwell? What does the Nikopoia icon type represent? Can you tell me about the Infant of Prague? What do you know about the image of Our Lady of Pompei? Can you provide information about Notre Dame D’Orcival near Riom in France? Is there a Jesuit "Madonna of the Street"? Is it true that St. Louis-Marie de Monfort carved statues of Mary? What about white madonnas?   Immaculate Conception What are the Marian dogmas? What happened in the history of the church to aid in the development of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception? What do you mean when you call Mary perfect? How did the early celebrations of the Immaculate Conception begin? How does the Catholic Church reconcile the doctrine of Mary's sinlessness with Romans 3:23 and how does the Catholic Church reconcile the doctrine of "meriting" grace with Romans 11:6? Definition? Scriptural Support? Was Mary aware of God's presence from the moment of her Immaculate Conception? Mary’s Immaculate Conception in the U.S.A.?   Information What is the Regina Nostra medal? Where can I find movies that include Marian themes? Do you have material about the Marian Library that we can share with our organization? Can you recommend a study outline to me that would help me organize the importance of Mary in Catholic theology? Can articles on The Mary Page website be copied?   Intercession Why do Catholics pray to Mary? Do Catholics worship Mary? Is it proper to pray through Mary and saints although the Bible says to pray only to Jesus our Lord, God? What is the Communion of Saints, and Mary's place therein? Why isn't Mary mentioned in any of the epistles as a co-redemptrix with Christ or Intercessor? If God was able to take care of everything before Mary, why does he now need a "facilitator and intercessor"? Is it necessary for salvation to believe in the help of Mary and the dead saints? How is Mary active today? Can you tell me about miracles occurring with Mary and children? Can you tell me about the prayer of Hail, Holy Queen? Joseph, Husband of Mary What about St. Joseph? Is the St. Joseph Lily named after the husband of Mary or Joseph of Arimathea?   Life of Mary Can you provide some information regarding the term 'betrothal' as used in Luke 1:27? What does scripture tell us about Mary's life? What do we know about Mary's life from apocryphal sources? Are there any books on Mary's life? Who are Mary's parents? What do we know about Mary's life? Where was Mary born? Did Mary have any brothers or sisters? Why does Psalm 69, a Messianic Psalm, refer to the Messiah's brothers and sisters if He didn't have any? If Mary is the women mentioned in Revelation 12:1-6, and if she was without sin, why is she having labor pains? How does that square Genesis 3:14-16, where labor pains were from God because of sin? Was Mary like other women in her biological cycle? Where is the Holy House Mary lived in located? What are the dimensions of the Holy House of Mary in Loreto? How old was Jesus when the Magi visited him? Did Mary have servants? Where is the tomb of the Virgin Mary and what is its significance? How is Mary portrayed in the gospel of John, as opposed to that of Luke? Was Mary, the Mother of Jesus, present at the Resurrection? What about Mary's death? Is Mary a Saint? Was she ever canonized? Is Mary a descendant of David? What resources are available on the topic: Mary as Daughter of God the Father? Mary and Joseph's ages at Jesus' conception? Mary's life after Jesus' death? Who was the disciple standing next to Mary when Jesus told his mother that she was now his mother and he her son? What was Mary's understanding of her role in Christ's life? Did Saint Anne teach Mary how to read? What is the latest news on Mary's house in Ephesus?   Mary and the Millennium Our Lady of the Millennium, Mother of the Redeemer What role does devotion to Mary play in the Church's preparations for the Third Millennium? Could you give me information on what Pope John Paul says we should do as the Third Millennium draws near? How should we react to apocalyptic messages of warning, punishment and impending doom?   Mary as Disciple What was Mary's role as a disciple? Can Mary be regarded as priest? What is meant by Mary's priestly role? Mary as Model Is Mary a Saint? Could you tell me Mary's attitude toward life? Are there any poems dealing with heart-to-heart conversations between Mother Mary and other mothers? Where can I find books to show what traits Mary has that can be connected to all other mothers? Model woman or model Christian? Why is Mary a model of contemplative prayer? Mary in the Liturgy Does the liturgy give us any hints about Mary's life? Which are the Marian feast days? What is the Feast of the Theotokos, Life-giving Fountain celebrated on Bright Friday in the eastern tradition? What is the Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary? What is the origin and meaning of the liturgical celebration of Mary as Queen? Mother of God, Theotokos What is the meaning of Mary's title: Theotokos? What are the Marian dogmas? Do we really have to call Mary Mother of God? Isn't it correct just to call her Mother of Jesus? How can Mary be the mother of God when God is eternal? Did she exist before God?   Poetry, Hymns, Songs, Rhymes Can you provide text for Marian hymns? Does the nursery rhyme, "Mary, Mary quite contrary" refer to the Blessed Virgin? Are there any poems dealing with heart-to-heart conversations between Mother Mary and other mothers? Could you give me information on the 'Stabat Mater' written by Jacopone der Todi? Do you have texts appropriate to a May Crowning? Shrines Where is the largest church dedicated to Mary located? Is there a shrine called Our Lady of the Forest? What can you tell me about Our Lady's Shrine at Kevelaer? Can you provide resources to learn about the history of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.? Can you relate the story of Tindari? Is San Juan de los Lagos among the known Mexican Marian shrines? How large is the Basilica Church of Our Lady of Peace? What is Our Lady of La Vang? Is there a Walsingham in Texas? Can you provide information about the National Shrine of Our Lady which is located in Carey, Ohio? What is "Maria Baumgartle"? What is the origin of Our Lady of Pilar? What is Notre Dame of Myans? What is the significance of Our Lady of Ciskomlo? Can you tell me about the Marian shrine at Walsingham, England? Is Maria de Talpa Mexican? Can you tell me more about the "Chapel of Mercy" in Germany? Is there a Marian shrine in Taiwan? Can you tell me the origins of the Marian Shrine at Vailankanni? Do you have information about the image "Return to Ladye Park"? Can you provide information on the Marian Shrine at Sameiro, Portugal? Is there a Marian shrine in Italy by the name of Madonna of Caravaggio? What do you know about the Black Madonna ("Schwarze Mutter Gottes") at the Church of St. Maria in der Kupfergasse, Cologne, Germany? Can you provide me with information about the shrine to "Our Lady of Africa" in Abidjan [Ivory Coast]? What is the story about the Marian Statue in Urakami, Japan? Is there an "Our Lady of America" in Ohio? Is there an "Our Lady of Huronia" in Canada? What is the story of the "Bombed" Mary, a Marian statue in Urakami, Japan? What is Ina Poonbato? Who is the Madonna of Clonfert? Titles Would you please help me find out more about the origins of the painting and the history of the devotion of Our Lady of Light? Who is Maria Tal Slovensko? What is the meaning of the expression: Mary, Seat of Wisdom (Sedes Sapientiae)? How do all of the titles for Mary come about? Why does Mary have so many different titles? What can you tell us about Mary as Queen of Creation? In what ways can Mary be shown as Our Lady of Mercy? Do you have information about Nuestra Senora de la Cueva Santa--Our Lady of the Sacred Cave? Who is "Our Lady of the Rock"? Who is "Our Lady of Tears"? Can you tell me the meaning of a medal entitled Our Lady of Olives? What about Our Lady of Olives? Is Mary Empress of the Americas? What about Our Lady of Victory? Could you explain the origin or history of "Our Lady of Consolation"? Is Virgen de la Merced or Virgen de Mercedes the same as Our Lady of Mercy? Who is Our Lady of Confidence? What is the origin of the Marian title of the Immaculate Heart? Who is Our Lady of Providence? Why do we call Mary Queen? What is the meaning of Our Lady of the Chair? What is the origin and meaning of the expression Mystical Rose (Rosa Mystica)? What about other forms of Mary's name? What is the origin of the title "Lady of the Lilies"? Where did the title Mary Queen of Apostles come from? What is the origin and meaning of the expression stella matutina (morning star)? Has Mary been referred to as Our Lady of the Sea? Star of the Sea? What is the history of Our Lady of Solitude? What is the origin of Mary's title: Our Lady of Ransom? Is it appropriate to pray to or think of Mary as "Saint" Mary? Tell me about the Virgin of the Dew ... in Spanish they call her Salve Rociera Maria. Can you elaborate on the traditions of Our Lady of Auvergne? Are there special prayers or devotions? Where does the title, Our Lady of Grace, originate? What does the title, Virgen de la O, signify? Does the name "Miriam" refer to the Virgin Mary? What about the title, "domina"? Is Morgan a derivation of Mary? What about the Queen of the Universe? Could you give me more information on the statue, "Virgen Morena," of Toledo, Spain, especially on its relationship to the "Virgen Blanca" in Toledo? What is the origin of the title, Madonna, for the Blessed Virgin Mary? In what century and where was the word "Madonna" used to describe the Blessed Virgin? Can you provide information about the title Our Lady of Peace and any artist depiction of this? Why did the Roman Commission reject Mediatrix as a dogma? Could you explain the feast and image of 'Mary of the Nettles'? Please provide information on Our Lady of Sorrows. Why is Mary "thrice admirable"? Who is Our Lady of Olvido, Triunfo and Misericordias? What is the meaning of Virgen de la Vega? How does Mary relate to the Heavenly Jerusalem? Why is England called "Our Lady's Dowry"? What about Our Lady of Olives? Is there such a Marian title as the "Divine Shepherdess"? Who is Our Lady of York? Who is Our Lady of Hope? What is the origin of the title of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart? Why and how is the Old Testament figure of the Queen Mother a type or model of Our Lady? Who is our Lady of Atocha? Is there such a title as Mary "Reparatrix"? Is there a Marian title as "Mary Sacrificer of Her Son?" Who is Our Lady of  Kodiak? Our Lady of the Waters--Lady of Pains, do you have any information about Our Blessed Mother under this title? Is Our Lady of Loreto considered the patron saint of aviation? Our Lady of Miracle? Who is the Virgin of Izamal? Who is Our Lady of the Myrtle? What is known about the devotion of the Madonna del Terzito? Is there a votive mass to Our Lady of the Sea? Is "Mother of Jesus" a correct Marian title? Who is Our Lady of Pochaev? Tell us about Our Lady of Smooth Delivery? Is there a shrine to Our Lady of Penrhys in Wales? Tell me about Our Lady of a Happy Death. Tell me about Mary's title, "Ladder of Heaven." Are there any Marian titles related to water? What do you know about "Our Lady of the Clouds"? Who is "Our Lady of Regla"? Who is "Our Lady of the Fire"? Who is "Our Lady of Prosperity"?   Virginity of Mary Should Mary's Perpetual Virginity be considered a dogma? Does it have a deeper meaning? What are the Marian dogmas? What do Catholics believe about the virginity of Mary? Are there writings on Mary's perpetual virginity from the early church? Meaning of 'until' in Matthew 1:25? Davidic lineage vs. virgin birth? Virginal marriage and ordinary married love Jesus' "brethren" in Scripture? If you do not believe in Mary's virginity are you excommunicated? How could Mary be engaged if she vowed virginity for herself? Can Mary be a model for married sexual life? Various Miscellany Are there Marian relics? Can you tell me more about angels? Can you tell me about miracles occurring with Mary and children? What does Mary have to do with indulgences? How can I obtain a Masters degree in Marian Studies? Can articles on The Mary Page website be copied? Does the City Seal of Los Angeles, California, contain Marian content? How many Marys are there in the Bible?  What do The Simpsons say about Mary? Who are the Collyridians? Was a letter about five secrets written by Maria Bernarda Soubirous to Pope Leo XIII in 1879 recently found by Father Antoine La Grande? Is it true that Mary is a mere copy of pagan goddesses? What are the ten evangelical virtues of Mary? Is there Marian imagery in Disney's Pinocchio? Is there Marian Imagery in Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? Hannah as a type of Mary? Who are Marienkinder? Can you comment on St. Bernard’s comparison of Mary to a channel? What is the meaning of type/antitype with regard to Mary? What is the Sabbatine Privilege? What is the Holy Kindred? What did the Jansenists think about Mary? Tell me about Rilke and his Marian poems. How many times does Mary speak in the Bible? Have a question not covered here? Marian scholars will be choosing new questions to answer periodically. Submit your question to Johann.Roten@udayton.edu

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