These are fading now at the end of July, which was Lily Month, and here was a spectacular display. Before the Protestant Reformation in England all flowers had Mary names or a Marian association. Lilies are often seen painted into depictions of Mary. So these great, almost six-footers, might bring her to mind as we segue into the August-month of her Assumption. And here's a prayer which takes its cues from the flowers themselves.
Hail Mary,
who finds joy in God,
who brings about marvels.
Hail Mary,
trumpet of God's justice,
herald of God's drawing near.
Hail Mary,
flower of humankind,
scenting the world with praises.
Hail Mary,
abundant in discipleship,
superabundant in gratitude.
Hail Mary,
golden in your believing,
in the vigor of your visitation.
Hail Mary,
like Bethlehem's angels,
like Bethlehem's star.
Hail Mary,
who stands amidst our weariness -
our disarray,
our moral apathy.
