As early as the 15th century, the Madonnari were artists who specialized in painting the Madonna—the Virgin Mary with the Infant Jesus. This 17th century, Italianized-Byzantine icon is found in London's Temple Gallery. How inviting! Even the rose-colored, velvet frame, with its diagonal corner joints, draws us to the "window" from which the Mother of God looks out—offering intimacy with herself and her Son.
As a newly ordained, I once heard a priest speak mockingly of another priest who referred to the Virgin Mary as Our Lady. When I asked him why he spoke disparagingly, he wrinkled his brow and said, "It's so old fashioned." To this day I don't know what that means.
I think the title Our Lady is reflective of Mary's elegant loveliness. As a small act of reparation, I'll begin each of the short rosary meditations here with the appellation, Oh Lady. The little word "Oh" suggests wonder and happy surprise.
As a newly ordained, I once heard a priest speak mockingly of another priest who referred to the Virgin Mary as Our Lady. When I asked him why he spoke disparagingly, he wrinkled his brow and said, "It's so old fashioned." To this day I don't know what that means.
I think the title Our Lady is reflective of Mary's elegant loveliness. As a small act of reparation, I'll begin each of the short rosary meditations here with the appellation, Oh Lady. The little word "Oh" suggests wonder and happy surprise.
Our Father...
Oh Lady, may I live and move deeply in the atmosphere of humility, receptivity and self-gift you create surrounding Jesus.
Hail Mary...
O Lady, I contemplate your standing at heaven's window, calm and serene, interfacing with us who are full of fears.
Hail Mary...
Oh Lady, make us happy by accepting our prayers; bring to life dead hearts and longing souls.
Hail Mary...
Oh Lady, pray for our good health and safety—sustain the caregivers, protect the children, the elderly, the homeless and the poor.
Hail Mary...
Oh Lady, as we live beneath the night time stars, the full moon and the rising sun, may we desire all the more the inner light of your Son.
Hail Mary...
Oh Lady, standing in a golden light, may we live in the illumination of knowing the truth about ourselves—that we are each of us and all of us, God's children.
Hail Mary...
Oh Lady, I pray for all whose businesses are failing, who have been laid off, who cannot pay their bills, who have no emergency funds, whose lives are on hold these days of global sickness.
Hail Mary...
Oh Lady, at the start of May, the season of unfurling and flowering, may my heart green and grow in love for you and other people.
Hail Mary...
Oh Lady, I pray for the more than three million people who have been ill with this Covid virus and the two hundred and ten thousand who have died. For all who are sick, suffering or who grieve the loss of dear ones.
Hail Mary...
Oh Lady, protect me from the malice of enemies. Keep us from the horrors and waste of wars. Grant us joyful hearts and faces.
Hail Mary...
Glory be to the Father...
