“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)