Mary

Mary: Tota Pulchra Es(You are completely beautiful), Mark Schembri. Mary is depicted as a child and bride caressed by the hand of God. The title also bears the name of an old Catholic prayer about Mary which was set to music by many famous composers. SHARE

Mary: Our Lady of Tenderness (Serbian variant). Merciful, mild, tender, loving, compassionate; Our Lady of Tenderness underlines the affectionate relationship between Mary and the child Jesus. Caressing postures and glances reveal their deep attachment to one another… We see that the Son of man is just as vulnerable and dependent on his mother as are all other children. He displays his need for intimacy and protection by nestling close to her. Both of them appear rather thoughtful as they rest together. Christ often refers to children and uses them as examples in his teaching. He obviously appreciates qualities like innocence, simplicity and trust. So he declares that “unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Mt 18:3-4 Words by Solrunn Nes, excerpted from her book The Mystical Language of Icons SHARE

Mary: "In certain moments I often feel the need to turn to Our Lady for the gift of courage and perseverance...My family is my pride and satisfaction. I have six children, each with their own character and also take care of my disabled brother. I recently lost my 40 yr son due to an illness. Before that I tended to my blind husband with kidney failure and did my best to keep him happy." Nina Vella, Żabbar, Malta SHARE

Mary: Ora Pro Nobis St. Mary and St. Anne, Flor Larios. SHARE

Mary: Mary - Mother of Life, Michael D.O'Brien. Mary conceived in her heart before her womb. Words by St. Augustine SHARE

Mary: Mary, Protector of Families SHARE