"A Virgin A Day": Day 12 The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe

"Madre Sagrada" oil painting by Paloma Nava which hangs in the St. Francis Xavier Church in Albuquerque

It seems only appropriate to post an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on this, her feast day. I do love seeing so many different interpretations of Mary on this, our 12 day journey together. And, as always, I am inspired by all with whom I share this journey with-it is such a diverse group who come together as ONE. The images and the writings have lifted and transported me each day. For this, I thank each and every one of you. I also feel the our dear Joe Spado has been with us on this journey too. I think it was because of this 12 day journey that I ended up 'meeting' him. Gone too soon, Joe...

The Madonna Lily

Madonna Lily II © Vendenis

The Madonna Lily. Also known as the Annunciation Lily. Also known as Virgin Lily. Also known as Mary's Lily.


"The Venerable Bede (A.D. 672-735) described the white petals as symbols of Mary's body, and the golden anthers as symbols of the glory of her soul. Roses and lilies were said to have filled Mary's empty tomb when it was opened by the Apostles. While lilies' association with purity cause them to be depicted with many Saints, such as SS. Francis and Claire, they are most strongly associated with St. Joseph, whose rod is said, in the Gospel of the Nativity of Mary, to have blossomed to prove he was worthy to guard Mary and become her spouse; with St. Anthony of Padua, because lilies left in chuches on his Feast Day miraculously remained fresh during the French Revolution; and with the archangel Gabriel, who is depicted as presenting Mary with the lily at the Annunciation (hence the name "Annunciation Lily"). Lilies are also associated with Solomon's Temple (III Kings 7:19-22), and their beauty is commented on by Christ Himself (Luke 12:27)."

Most of the information that I shared with everyone in regards to the flowers of Mary has come from the Fisheaters website Here are some other examples of the flowers of Mary: 

"Picture her eyes (Forget-Me-Nots), her hair (Maidenhair Fem), her five fingers (Potentilla). Think about her apparel: her smock (Morning Glory), her veil (Baby's Breath), her nightcap (Canterbury Bells), her gloves (Foxglove), and her shoes (Columbine). Remember her attributes: Mary's humility (Violet), the fruitful virgin (Strawberry), Mary's queenship (Virgin Lily), Mary's Flower of God (English Daisy), Mary's glory (Saint John's Wort), and Our Lady's Faith (Veronica).

Think about her life: The Bethlehem Star (Bellflower), the Christmas Flower (Poinsettia), Lady's Bedstraw (Dianthus - Mary used bedstraw to prepare a bed for Jesus), the Epiphany flower (Chrysanthemum), the Flight into Egypt (Fig Tree - legend says that the Holy Family ate the fruit of this tree during their flight into Egypt), Our Lady's Tears (Lily of the Valley - tiny white nodding bell-shaped flowers can be likened to a train of tears), Our Lady's Tresses (Asparagus Fern - legend holds that at the foot of the cross, Mary, in. deep agony, tore out a tress of her hair which Saint John preserved), Mary's Bitter Sorrow (Dandelion), and the Assumption (Hosta - Plantation Lily blooms at the time of the Feast of the Assumption)."

One of the things that I especially loved learning about the flowers of Mary on this journey is a new way in connecting with the Mother of our Savior. All of these flowers have a new found meaning for me. 

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

This marks the conclusion of an annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) where we post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! 

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit the others who have been on this 12 day journey.

"A Virgin A Day": Day 11 Mary's Love of God

My stovetop Lady of Guadalupe

I keep a votive candle on my cooktop range. Plenty of room for it with 5 burners and I feel like it's a safe place for a candle should I forget to extinguish it since it sits on metal. A practical added bonus is that when your kitchen accumulates too many food smells, burning a candle helps to eliminate the odors.

The other, more spiritual aspect of the candle is that it reminds me to think of things that I easily loose sight of in getting caught up with daily tasks. It reminds me to stop and think about others. Say a few prayers while I'm preparing a meal. It's a visual cue. I need those reminders and cues as I know I can't remember everything!

Mary's  Crown

Bachelor's button are Mary's Crown. Although I am not certain as I have nothing to document this with, I believe you would see the use of this during the month of May. These are very easy to grow and do not take up much space if you are thinking about starting your own Mary's Garden.

Mary's Love of God

The flower that is designated as Mary's Love of God is the carnation. These flowers are said to have bloomed at Christ's Nativity, according to a German legend. 

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.

"A Virgin A Day": Day 10 Mary's Heart

Small shrine for Our Lady of Guadalupe

For My Mother

A Child's Prayer

Dear Blessed Mother Mary,

help my mom to be a good mother.

Give her peace and wisdom,

strength and courage,

grace and happiness.

Be nearby when she needs help.

Keep her close to your Son, Jesus.

Help me to always show my mom

how very much I love her.

Amen.

(from the Loyola Press website)

The Heart of Mary

Heart of Mary: red begonia

If you were to plant a garden of all the flowers associated with Mary, it would be quite an extensive garden! I think I'd like to select a nice handful and create a garden of Mary's flowers someday. Wouldn't you?

The red begonia is associated as the heart of Mary. So is the Bleeding Heart. There are probably several others, but I'll stop here!

Bleeding Heart

We used to grow these in our yard on Molokai. I loved them not only for what they represented (I knew it as the Bleeding Heart of Jesus) and because it was like a flower within a flower.

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.

"A Virgin A Day": Day 9 Our Lady's Tears

This Virgin Mary statue design was done by Nambe. Nambe is a family-owned company and began during modernism's mid-century design movement. I love seeing all the different ways that Mary is portrayed throughout the ages. 

I think that many wonder why there are so many prayers said to Mary. I believe it is because she is seen as the Universal Mother and is the best advocate one could call upon. Who wouldn't want an advocate? 

Our Lady's Tears

Flowers of the Virgin Mary: Lily of the Valley: Our Lady's Tears

There are many flowers that are associated with Mary. Some are more well known than others.

The Lily of the Valley - tiny white nodding bell-shaped flowers can be likened to a train of tears-hence, Our Lady's Tears. These flowers are said to have blossomed from Mary's tears for her Son as she stood at the foot of the Cross (these flowers are associated with the month of May). I don't know if you've ever caught the fragrance of these delightful and delicate little white flowers, but, oh! They do have a heavenly scent. My mother used to have some cologne that she liked to use that was called, Lily of the Valley.

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.

"A Virgin A Day": Day 8

A Navajo carving of Mary on Cottonwood

The Mother of all that is the feminine divine-that is what Mary is. This rendition of Mary is in my own collection-I am sorry I cannot remember the artist's name, but I got it at the Hubble Center in AZ at the annual Navajo rug sale. A lovely couple had a table set up with their carvings-all were so exquisite!

"Hail Mary, hello, how are you?
I greet you with love,
And I thank you for being available.
Deeply, I breathe your roses,
The twelve fresh roses you place in my spirit
Every morning when I say hello to you.

Full of grace are you,
Grace spilling over Heaven's boundaries
Into my world, living water, bread and wine,
The unmerited favor of God
That you come carrying to me,
Your arms always full of gifts..."


And so we know that roses are associated with Mary, but did you know of the violet flower?

"Our Lady of Modesty"

The lowly violet was associated with humility and became known as Our Lady's Modesty. It was said to have blossomed when Mary said to the Angel Gabriel, who had come to tell her she was to bear the Son of God, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord."

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.

"A Virgin A Day": Day 7

Anniversario 430 Anos

Our virtual 12 day procession of Mary continues. This is another one of the homes that has readied itself for a blessing from the priest during the evening procession in the neighborhood on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe somewhere in the south valley of Albuquerque. 

Mary's Gold

The marigold was called Mary's Gold by early Christians who placed the flowers around statues of Mary, offering the blossoms in place of coins. It was told that Mary used the blossoms as coins. A legend says that during the flight into Egypt the Holy Family was accosted by a band of thieves. They took Mary's purse and when they opened it, marigolds fell out. Click here for more information.

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.

A Virgin A Day": Day 6 "Am I Not Here, I Thy Mother?"

"Am I Not Here, I Thy Mother?" Juan Diego before Our Lady

First off: a correction to yesterday's posting: the caption for the image should read, Juan Diego on his knees...not Don Diego! Oops! Quite a difference from a historical standpoint between the two.

The story of Juan Diego and the appearance's of Mary is an interesting story if you've not heard or read it before. You can find the story told here.

Can you imagine being out in the middle of nowhere and encountering an apparition? The man had to be somewhat terrified. I wonder what I would do. What would you do? Would we have done as Juan Diego did or would we do what was 'advised' in Monty Python's Holy Grail movie? Would we just run away?

I think I would certainly draw strength and courage from the words, "Am I not here, thy Mother?".

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.

"A Virgin A Day": Day 5

Juan Diego on his knees

On the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, there is a section of homes in the South Valley of Albuquerque that displays Our Lady. Huge displays in their yard (you won't find any Santa Claus displays in this section of town!). There is a celebration of the mass in the evening at a nearby Catholic church. A procession starts at the conclusion of mass and the priest, along with members of the church (and whoever wants to join them), go down the street to the South Broadway Cultural Center which is an art and library space run by the city-which also has a community 'altar' set up and anyone who wants to exhibit their art for the month of December in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe is able to. From there, the priest and many others continue through the neighborhood as the priest makes stops at the homeowner's request to bless their home. It is a very moving and somber occasion to witness.

The images from my Day 1 and Day 2 postings are also from this neighborhood.

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.

"A VIrgin A Day": Day 4

Our Lady of Guadalupe on the gate at Bruno's in Cuba, NM

Wouldn't you love to have a gate like this? I would! El Bruno's in Cuba does-it is a locally owned family restaurant that specializes in New Mexican cuisine. It is a "we have to stop here" whenever we head out north on NM 550 highway (especially on the Chaco Canyon trips). I love that this restaurant is proud to show off Mary-they have other Mary related art throughout the restaurant. They show their love for our Mother unabashedly. 

And that's how our love should be, shouldn't it? Shown without conditions, without hesitation, without reservations, without fear of judgement. Whether it's for our Mother or anyone else.

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.

"A Virgin A Day": Day 3

Somewhere in Old Town, Albuquerque, there is an old cottonwood tree that someone has painted what they saw as the form of the Virgin Mary.

THE FLOWERS OF MARY

"My Love Is Like..." © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio


The mystic rose, symbolizes Mary's mystical participation in the Holy Trinity as Heaven's Rose or Mystical Rose.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.

"A Virgin A Day": Day 2 And Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine, Joe Spado

Sad news came my way today. A blogger friend of mine and many, quietly passed away this morning. Gone too soon, Joe Spado. How you managed to touch so many lives in such a wonderful way. I know you've touched mine. I feel so honored to not only have had you as a blogger friend, but as a friend beyond the blogging world and I am so glad I got to meet you.

I did find out via another blogger-I know many of us along with Joe's family and friends are reeling from grief over his departure. In the processing of the truth and the emotions, it feels almost like fighting an out of body experience as you muster up supreme effort to get through the day's tasks. Driving off to the gym this evening for my group exercise class almost felt like a falsehood of sorts, but I knew I still needed to go, to carry on with the business of living and staying in touch of what it is to be alive.

And wasn't it just yesterday or the day before that I was looking at the dreamcatcher that Joe made for me? It was. Joe had making dreamcatchers down pat like no other-and they were all different and authentic (visit his site via the link through on his name to see his latest dream catcher creations). I had wondered how you were doing, Joe. I had no idea that you were about to leave us. But, you sir, were an exemplary human being. You will be sorely missed-your weekly haikus, and this, our annual 12 Days of Mary. 

Truly, an exemplary human being. The world became a better place because of you. Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine!

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.