Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Then, as St. Gertrude reflected on the approaching Festival, and ardently desired that her heart might be prepared to solemnize it, she said to the Mother of God: Since the glory of your Assumption moves the souls of those who meditate on it so deeply, I desire much to know what the Angels think of the Feast of your Nativity in Heaven, that our devotion may be increased thereby on earth. The Blessed Virgin replied: The angels commemorate the ineffable joys
which I experienced while in the womb of my mother when they offer me their hommage with the deepest reverence. The Archangels also contemplate in the mirror of the Blessed Trinity the eminent favors and graces which God bestowed on me above all creatures, and minister to me also; while all the heavenly orders unite in serving and assisting me for the glory of God; and for this they are now recompensed with special joys.” (From: The Life and Revelations of St. Gertrude the Great, c. 1256-1302)
Artwork: Tabernacle of the Visitation: Birth of Mary (Benozzo Gozzoli, 1491)
God’s abundant love to you:)
Marie
September 8th, 2007 at 3:41 amThank you for sharing!
September 8th, 2007 at 8:47 am
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recource to thee. May we follow the example of the angels and archangels in paying homage to the Blessed Virgin Mary on her birthday. Thanks, Gabrielle, for sharing this discource between St. Gertrude and Our Lady, I hadn’t cme across it before.
September 8th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Sorry to be off topic, but welcome back. I missed you.
September 8th, 2007 at 4:58 pmI finally chose this one, because two points in particular were drawing me into contemplation: the ineffable joys the Blessed Virgin experienced while in the womb of St. Anne, and the Archangels contemplating in the “mirror of the Blessed Trinity”.
johnT, thank you. I’m very happy to be home.
September 8th, 2007 at 10:47 pmthis is the line that spoke most deeply to me. ineffable joys, yes!
September 10th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Me too, Lucy. I’ve been pondering these “ineffable joys in the womb” since I first read the quote. Needs more pondering, though.
September 11th, 2007 at 12:04 am