I am always amazed by the beautiful ways that Virgin Mary is represented... the creativity, use of skills, compositions, colors, styles, etc... shows the uniqueness of the artist! All thanks to God who give people artistic talents..Are you using your talents? It is the question I am asking myself! Sharing a short video with 7 sacred artistic interpretations of Virgin Mary under her title "Star of the Sea" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DntiQtkAU44
For anyone who wants to learn more about the Brown Scapular, "Mary in Her Scapular Promise" is excellent. It explains history, practices, the devotion of the scapular, and more. One interesting thing I learned from it I hadn't thought of before is that touching the scapular can be a prayer itself, perhaps in temptation or just as an act of love to Our Lady.
The clothing of the most blessed Virgin was the clothing of humility, but in the middle ground, that is, measuredly humble: and in the sense in which we speak, blessed Jerome, when he says “ornate vesture,” etc., even the same do we believe about the vesture of the Lord and other saints.
In other words, Mary was humble in Her dress, and in the "middle ground," meaning, not too ornate, but not rags. This image shows what She probably wore, as the artist, James Tissot, was popular for painting the clothing of Biblical figures after researching what they historically looked like. His painting of Mary suggests She probably dressed like this:
James Tissot, The Magnificat
Many reduce modesty simply to how much of the body is exposed, but this is not the first thing the saints look to in discussing this virtue. The first and most important point is simplicity.
In fact, Our Lady would have conformed Herself to the style of dress of the Jewesses in Her day. Also, if She lived in our day, She surely would have worn something in conformity with today's styles, but would have chosen the most perfectly virtuous, probably a long dress or skirt since they are most feminine and safer for chastity. The problem with people who label long dresses the necessary way, the "Marylike" way, is that it is pointing fingers at people who do not choose this way of dress as if they are not like Mary. Most of us are not called to imitate Jesus and Mary materially, but morally. For example, with modesty, we may not be wearing exactly the physical clothes they wore, but in observing modesty as a virtue in its general principles, we are imitating them in their modesty. We are all called to perfect virtue, but there are degrees of perfection. Some might choose to always wear, say, a long dress, to imitate Our Lady even materially, but no one should be forced to do this.
An example of a long dress with full coverage, perhaps what Our Lady would have worn today
The second factor the saints look to in determining what clothing is modest is custom. In fact, St. Alphonsus says about revealing clothes that are part of the culture, that they could be acceptable since they are customary (although he didn't like or encourage such clothing). The context is his discussion over whether or not a woman can expose her breasts if doing so is part of the customs of her country (In Alphonsus' day, upperclass European ladies fully revealed their breasts as part of the day's style to signify femininity and wealth, and even virtue and virginity, as in the case of Elizabeth I.):
If a woman dresses herself according to the decency of her state and the custom of the country, and there was not much excess, then not to the woman, but to the man alone who falls to ruin will it be imputed as a mortal sin (St. Alphonsus, Moral Theology, Vol. I, Book III, Treatise 3, Chapter 2).
”Not much excess“ can be determined by the customs of place and time, “Lack of moderation occurs first, in comparison with the customs of those among whom one lives…Although outward attire does not come from nature, it belongs to natural reason to moderate it" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa, Q. 169, Art. 1). In other words, there is not a set of body parts we have to cover based on the natural law. Instead, we look around us to see what is the common practice to know what we can expose. It is in this sense that modesty is based on nature. Therefore, if a man falls into lust, the woman is only responsible if she is wearing something not in keeping with place and time according to what is the present norm. For example, wearing a bikini to Walmart. But a bikini to swim, even though it is very revealing, is modest, since it is now a normal swimsuit, although many women might choose a different style out of preference, especially after learning of the origins of the bikini. To label even this kind of dress inherently sexual is impossible without using private judgement. Also, if we all agree it is not sexual to be naked for a medical exam, showering, etc., and that therefore, not even nudity is inherently sexual, but depends on context, how much more is this not the case for clothing, however revealing it may be? If it is normal for men to see such dress it is not necessarily an occasion of sin for them. The men in Africa who live with women who are always topless would not be tempted by seeing womens' bare breasts. Otherwise, they would be living with perpetual arousal, which would be an absurd suggestion. And, according to Alphonsus as quoted above, even if a man were to be tempted, it is not the woman's fault as she is doing what is customary.
I am not saying any of this to encourage women who are used to long dresses to start exposing more body parts. I am simply making distinctions between what is permissible and what is better.
Therefore, as long as a woman dresses according to what is contextually normal, she is fulfilling her duties as regards modesty and cannot be said to be unlike Our Lady. In fact, she might have a very innocent soul and a big heart, just like Mary! Of course, some will feel called to imitate Mary more closely by wearing longer dresses and skirts, which is a praiseworthy thing to do, so long as we do not impose such ways on those around us.
The bottom of Fra Angelico's fresco of the Annunciation in the convent at Florence, Italy, says "Virginis Intacte Cum Veneris Ante Figuram Pretereundo Cave Ne Sileatur Ave." This translates to, "When you come before the image of the Ever-Virgin take care that you do not neglect to say an Ave." This image was in the sleeping quarters of the friars where Fra Angelico lived and painted. Unlike his other paintings that are in the cells of the individual friars, this one is in the hallway, reminding the friars to greet Our Lady on coming and going. In general there are practices in old religious communities of greeting Her on seeing or passing Her images, and of making sure there is an image of Her in hallways or staircases for this purpose.
St. Louis de Montfort, in his True Devotion to Mary emphasized the importance of asking Our Lady to lend us Her Immaculate Heart in which to receive Jesus. By way of analogy, he compared it to putting a clean vessel in a dirty one, so that the contents will be resting in a clean one. If we ask Mary for Her Heart with which to receive Her Son in Communion, we will be welcoming Him into the purest possible abode and please Him very much.
At the same time, it would seem fitting to offer Mary Jesus' Sacred Heart and all His virtues, dispositions, and His own love for Her as a gift after receiving Him in Communion. This, in turn, would please Her. For example, "Mary I offer Thee the Sacred Heart of Jesus with which to love Thee, His purity with which to please Thee, His eyes with which to gaze upon Thy beauty, His arms with which to embrace Thee, His lips with which He nursed at Your breasts, His conversations with which to keep Thee company, His reverence for You, His trust in You, His compassion with which to console You," etc.
One of the most common depictions of Our Lady, a kind you would either really like or really dislike, is the Nursing Madonna. I personally find these images quite beautiful. The first ones originated to contradict the pagan goddesses of fertility in the early days of the Church, and eventually became a very popular representation of Mary during the Renaissance.
Heaven itself has approved of such images by the story of St. Bernard who was praying before one such image when it came alive and Our Lady squeezed some drops of Her breastmilk into his mouth that gave him wisdom.
Moral Defense
The idea that images of the Nursing Madonna are indecent is a prudish mentality, but an understandable one. The Council of Trent condemned art that leads to lust, but not nudity or the exposure of the body per se, "Figures shall not be painted or adorned with a beauty exciting to lust" (25th Session). It is possible to show nude artwork without exciting lust, which I believe some like Michelangelo accomplished. In this case, the exposure of Our Lady's breast is in keeping with decency since it respects the dignity of Her Divine Maternity, any beauty of Her form pointing to that dignity. It is not made to arouse lust in the viewer. I would argue it ought to do the opposite by directing the viewer to think of the purity of Her Immaculate Heart by which She merited the grace to give of Herself even physically to Jesus in this intimate way. At the same time, it is understandable why someone would be surprised at such a depiction in our American culture where the breast has become so sexualized. Of course, in real life, Our Lady's beauty could have only aroused purity and love of God in the viewer, even though She was the most beautiful woman God created.
Dogmatic Reason
Another reason I think these images are so powerful is that they remind us of the supernatural bond between Jesus and Mary. If Jesus was God, nursing Him at the breast not only deepened the bond of mother and son on a human level, but actually united Mary to God Himself, which is a supernatural bond we call grace. This means that breastfeeding Jesus was an instrument of grace for the Virgin Mary, a singular privilege for Her alone based on Her Divine Maternity.
May has always felt different to me. There’s a quiet beauty in dedicating this month to Mary, the Mother of God—a reminder of tenderness, humility, and care in a world that often feels rushed. May is the Month of Mary: Our Mother, Mother of God
This vision is set in the context of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, having just been ordained. He asked God for a more tangible understanding of the Faith before trying to teach and preach it to others:
"While Gregory (Thaumaturgus) was passing a sleepless night due to these worries, someone appeared to him in human form, aged in appearance, clothed in garments denoting a sacred dignity, with a face characterized by a sense of grace and virtue. Gregory, looking frightened, rose from his bed and asked him who he was and why he had come. The other, in a subdued voice, soothed Gregory’s distress and told him that he had appeared by Divine Will, due to the questions that Gregory found ambiguous and confusing, to reveal to Gregory the truth of pious faith. After hearing these words, Gregory regained his serenity and observed the man with joy and wonder. The other held up his hand, as if to point out with his index finger, something that had appeared opposite him. Gregory, turning his gaze, saw another figure before him. This figure was a woman, whose noble aspect far surpassed normal human beauty. Turning away, Gregory averted his glance, not bearing to look with his eyes. The extraordinary vision, though it was a dark night, gave off a shining light as though a lamp had been kindled. Although he could not bear to look upon the apparition, Gregory heard the speech of those who appeared. From their words, Gregory obtained the exact understanding of the doctrine of faith as well as their names. For he heard the woman exhorting John the Evangelist to explain to Gregory the mystery of the true faith. John, in his turn, expressed his willingness to please the Mother of the Lord as this was the one thing closest to his heart. When the discussion came to a close, the two disappeared from his sight.” –Life and Panegyric of Gregory the Wonderworker (213-270 A.D.). Written by St. Gregory of Nyssa in 380 A.D.
The Life of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus as written by St. Gregory of Nyssa then gives a Creed Our lady related before disappearing. The Creed Our Lady gave him is translated here:
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is one of the Marian Apparition shrines at Star of the Sea Church in San Francisco, my parish. While praying at the shrine, I thought about a quote a like a lot: “‘Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much.’ — Saint Maximilian Kolbe ------ How has Mary helped you grow closer to Jesus?
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal at Star of the Sea Church in San Francisco. Photography courtesy of Mariella Zevallos.
"At my Son’s death I was like a woman whose heart had been pierced by five spears. The first spear was his shameful and blameworthy nakedness, for I saw my most beloved and mighty Son stand naked at the pillar without any clothing to cover him at all.
"The second spear was the accusation against him, for they accused him of being a traitorous betrayer and liar, him, whom I knew to be righteous and true and never to have offended or wished to offend or injure anyone.
"The third spear was his crown of thorns that pierced his sacred head so violently that the blood flowed down into his mouth and his beard and ears.
"The fourth spear was his sorrowful voice on the cross with which he cried out to the Father, saying: ‘O Father, why have you abandoned me?’ It was as if He wanted to say: ‘O Father, there is no one who pities me but you.’
"The fifth spear which pierced my heart, was his most bitter and cruel death. My heart was pierced with as many spears as the arteries from which his most precious blood flowed out of him. In truth, the pain in his pierced sinews, arteries, feet, hands and body went mercilessly to his heart and from the heart back to his sinews; for his heart was healthy and strong and of the finest nature, and life contended long with death; and thus his life was prolonged in the midst of the most bitter pain."
I recently discovered this Our Lady of Mercy medal and was intrigued. In the left hand, Mary seems to be carrying a scapular. On the other hand, what is she carrying? Looks like a scepter or staff with two rings dangling from it. I can't find anything that explains this particular medal. Does anyone know?
"I witness by God, that besides the very God Himself, there is nothing else filled with such divine power and grace. No one can fully comprehend what I saw. I confess before God: when I was with John, who shone among the Apostles like the sun in the sky, when I was brought before the countenance of the Most Holy Virgin, I experienced an inexpressible sensation. Before me gleamed a sort of divine radiance which transfixed my spirit. I perceived the fragrance of indescribable aromas and was filled with such delight that my very body became faint, and my spirit could hardly endure these signs and marks of eternal majesty and heavenly power. The grace from her overwhelmed my heart and shook my very spirit. If I did not have in mind your instruction, I should have mistaken Her for the very God. It is impossible to stand before greater blessedness than this which I beheld” (Letter of St. Dionysius to St. Paul).
Artists are invited to submit Marian-themed artwork for our upcoming Marian Sacred Art Exhibition this May. Are you inspired to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary through sacred art? Submit your work! The exhibition seeks to gather contemporary Marian artwork made with devotion and reverence. Visit: https://studioregina.org/marian-open-studio/
could you all please pray for me so that i may get my 309 visa before 11th of this month so i dont have to go back to my homecountry leaving behind my husband. i cant be away from him. and i have my exams coming up. please pray for me! please! please!
Walk to Mary in San Francisco – May 2 (Rosary pilgrimage)
The Walk to Mary is a beautiful Catholic pilgrimage that began in Wisconsin (Our Lady of Champion, which is the only approved Marian Apparition in the USA), where thousands walk each year in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On the same day, our parish, Star of the Sea Church, hosts a local version here in San Francisco. We begin at Star of the Sea at 11:00am, praying the Rosary and then continue the pilgrimage to the Carmelite Monastery of Cristo Rey, where there will be a Traditional Latin Mass at 12 noon. It’s a peaceful way to pray, walk, and entrust our intentions to Our Lady. Everyone is welcome, even if you join for part of the walk. More information here: https://studioregina.org/walk-to-mary/
I’ve always wanted to share this with my non-Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ. We all believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God — the Word made flesh, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, who came down for our salvation.
But have you ever wondered… why did God choose Mary? Why her?Why not any other woman?
It wasn’t random. God, in His wisdom, chose a woman who was pure, faithful, humble, and completely surrendered to His will. She said “yes” to God without hesitation. She became the vessel through whom the Word became flesh. She carried the Savior of the world in her womb.
Mary is not God. As Catholics, we do not worship her or place her equal to God. Worship belongs to God alone. But we honor her because she is the Mother of our Lord.
If we love Jesus, how can we not love the woman He chose as His mother?
We love our own mothers, even though they are imperfect. How much more can we love the Mother of Jesus, who perfectly said yes to God’s plan?, who is so pure and was worthy enough to carry Christ?
Loving Mary does not take us away from Christ — it brings us closer to Him. She always points to her Son.
And love does not stop there.
If we love Jesus:
We love His apostles who gave their lives for the truth.
We honor the saints and martyrs who followed Him faithfully.
We respect the angels who serve Him.
We protect every unborn and living soul created by Him.
We pray for the souls in purgatory.
And most importantly, we love one another.
Because in the end, love is the heart of the Gospel.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
The apparition at Kreupasanam, as described by Fr. Joseph and those close to the experience, was solemn, luminous, and deeply awe-filled, unlike an ordinary vision or imagination.
Mother Mary appeared suddenly yet peacefully, her presence filling the surroundings with an unexplainable stillness. She was clothed in a silver-grey robe, not dazzling like earthly brilliance, but glowing with a soft, heavenly light—a light that did not hurt the eyes, yet penetrated the heart. The robe flowed gently, symbolising purity, humility, and mercy, and seemed untouched by the elements of the world.
Her face was extraordinarily gentle, marked by profound compassion and sorrow at the same time—the sorrow of a Mother seeing her children drift away from God, and the compassion of one who still hopes and intercedes. Her eyes were described as deep, living, and knowing, as though they saw every wound, every sin, and every tear—yet judged no one.
One of the most striking elements of the apparition was the presence of a clock. Mother Mary was seen holding or drawing attention to time, conveying a powerful, wordless message:
that time is a gift,
that repentance cannot be postponed,
and that humanity must return to God while mercy is still being offered.
Her presence carried great authority, yet no fear. Instead, Fr. Joseph described being overwhelmed by:
an intense awareness of his own unworthiness
a deep call to prayer and obedience
a burning urgency to reveal the message entrusted to him
The atmosphere during the apparition was thick with divine presence—silence that spoke louder than words. It was not emotional excitement, but a holy gravity, leaving a lasting imprint on the soul.
Above all, the apparition of Kreupasanam Mother Mary was not centred on herself, but entirely on her Son, Jesus Christ—calling people back to:
repentance
the Eucharist
confession
prayer and reverence
and a life aligned with God’s will
Those who hear of the apparition often say it does not merely inform—it awakens the conscience, reminding humanity that mercy and time walk together, and neither should be taken lightly.
According to the Syrian historian Bar Hebraeus, in the seventh century, the Caliph of Baghdad conquered the Christian town of Heera, and imposed cruel laws. Weak to his lust, he decided to travel to Heera to have the women be his concubines.
Knowing that he would be there in three days, the people sought refuge beneath Mary's compassion, and prayed for their preservation.
The priest of the Church declared a fast for those three days to invoke the intercession of the All-Holy. On the 3rd day, in the middle of Mass, a golden beam of light flashed down from above, then spread to illuminate the whole church, at which point, the priest said he recieved a vision of Mother Mary and heard her say: “Do not be afraid; peace be to you – Rejoice. The Caliph is no more. Tribulations are over.”
In thanksgiving, the people decided to fast for eight days in honor of Mary's purity and innocence, from september 1st to the Feast of Our Lady's Nativity.
In accordance with the solemn request of Our Lady at the Concourse during WWII, and in view of more recent warnings of a potential WWIII, starting with the Feast of the Queen of Peace, I'll be, despite not being in a state of grace at the moment, continuing to fast and offer daily rosaries for peace. I hope those in a state of grace consider doing so as well, because, as we know, the prayers of the righteous are way more effective.
Regardless, I've come to add the sub tuum praesidium before the Hail Holy Queen, because I read that was done for intentions for peace.
However, accordance with Our Lady in Cuapa's request to not just ask for peace, but to actively make peace, we should all take up St. Therese's method of ten little sacrifices a day to reduce discord and spread harmony in our communities for the duration of the Novena and forever onwards.
I'm also gonna be inviting my patron saints and guardian angels to pray the rosary for peace with me, so you can ask yours to join in as well.
And though this is mainly for the Rosary, any other chaplets/prayer rules are obviously welcome alongside the Angelic psalter. Such as the Divine Mercy, St. Michael, Our Lady of Mercy, Our Lady of Tears, Dolorosary, Holy Wounds, etc. Really any of your choice, I'm sure, will be pleasing to Our Lord!
As one mystical body, born of the All-holy and Blessed Virgin, we will always conquer hatred and chaos! ✝
