The Sacred Names of Blessed Mary

Mary – Blessed Mary

We know Her by many names. She is the Queen of Peace, the Mystical Rose, the Mother of God. 

Blessed Mary’s many names have been sacredly bestowed following one of her miraculous apparitions or a miracle she granted.  Her names have also been revealed through a timely message given to us, as she did at Fatima.  In Latin America the Blessed Mother is also known as “La Conquista” or the Mother of the Conquered.  Michelangelo’s Pieta depicts her as “Mater Dolorosa” or Madre Dolorosa.  Here we see Her suffering as She holds the body of Jesus after his Crucifixion.  I call her Blessed Mary, Holy Mother – and use the words given us in the Magnificat:  “For hold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” 

The Litany of Loreto

This beautiful prayer venerates the Blessed Mother by her many holy names. It is most often said after the Rosary.  The original Litany prayer was first adopted at the holy shrine in Loreto, Italy.  It is the holy place where the Virgin Mary’s original home was transported. During the 1500’s pilgrims from all over Europe began traveling to the shrine at Loreto after they became aware of its sacred significance.  Hearing the Litany being said aloud and with such great devotion, the pilgrims also began to venerate the Virgin Mary with the same prayer. The reciting of her titles and promises of grace with adoration continues today as a wonderful act of devotion.  In the Litany we recognize all the places where we need Blessed Mary’s holy intercession.  To bring peace to our world, comfort us when we are sick or suffering.

We pray to Mary calling Her:

• Queen of Peace
• Mother of Divine Mercy (bringing divine mercy to all who are struggling).
• Comforter of the Afflicted
• Morning Star
• Gate of Heaven
• Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

Our Lady of Guadalupe

On December 9, 1531, Blessed Mary reveals herself as the Virgin Mary to Juan Digeo at the top of Mexico’s Tepeyac Hill.  When this humble man looked into Her eyes, he saw magnificence personified.  He asked “Who are you?”  “I am your mother, the Virgin Mary.”   Falling on his knees he looked at her beautiful vision.  The Virgin Mary was wearing a red dress and emanating from her veil were “las espinas” or cactus needles.  Juan understood their significance. Deep inside every needle was magway or bulke, medicine the Mexican people drank to cure illness and disease.  These life saving needles were miraculously surrounding every edge of her blue green cloak. Around her waist was a black belt tied in a bow.  Living red roses majestically circled her waist.  Water flowing from the Guadalupe River below reflected the brilliant stars against her veil.

Shining around her face, the Virgin Mary was more beautiful than he could ever have imagined.  Juan told the Virgin that he was worried about the health of his uncle.  He was traveling to bring him much needed medicine.  “Have you forgotten that I am your Mother?” she asked. “Your uncle shall be well.  Go and tell the bishop that I am here at this forbidden burial place. Tell him that I ask that you build me a temple on this very ground.”

Juan Diego’s vision of the Virgin is enshrined within the National Basilica in the north of Mexico City. The shrine draws millions every year making it the most sought Catholic pilgrimage in the world.   They come to see the cloak displaying the holy image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  The precious name we use today to revere her today.

Saint John Henry Newman’s  Reflection on  “The Mystical Rose”

“She is the Queen of spiritual flowers; and therefore, is called the Rose, for the rose is called of all flowers the most beautiful. But, moreover, she is the Mystical or Hidden Rose, for mystical means hidden.  We can call on Blessed Mary as Mystical Rose in prayer to support us in savoring the sweet fragrance of life and your own soul’s slow unfolding”.

Mystical Rose Poem:

Oh Lady of Light

Dispenser of all graces

To those living in fear or a fight

My soul cries out to you my Mother

Can I touch the hem of your veil?

You answered me saying

Your love and faith shall prevail

Oh Mother forever am I yours!

Unto you I lift my soul

For you my heavenly Mother,

Have once again

Made me whole

Our Lady, Shirt of Arrows, Protector of Every Child

When we need Blessed Mary’s wisdom during difficult times we can call on “She Who Shows the Way”to help us, just as St. Luke did.

The Blessed Mother has given us so many ways to know her and seek her help. All we need to do is look for one of her many faces and bring her love into our hearts.  Scripture shows us how Christ loves her, doing anything she asked of Him.    To Jesus – through Blessed Mary.