Father in heaven, by whose grace the virgin mother of thine incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more blessed in keeping thy word: Grant us who honour the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her devotion to thy will; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ Or this:
O God, who didst cause the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the time of her holy expectation, to visit the home of her cousin Elizabeth: Grant unto us thy people, that as Mary rejoiced to be called the Mother of the Lord, so may we ever magnify thee in the Incarnation of thine only–begotten son; to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Four Augustinian Canon Regulars Meditating Beside an Open Grave, by the Master of the Spes Nostra (fl. 1490—1510). The painting was a Memorial for four Rectors at the Monastery at Marienpoel, near Leiden. The monastery was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, St Jerome and St Augustine. The four Rectors are in front, flanked by St Jerome on the left and St Augstine on the right, with the Virgin Mary and her cousin Elizabeth in the middle ground. In the background are depictions of the Annunciation and the childhood of Jesus (he is shown riding a hobby horse). Wandering in the garden are peacocks, symbols of eternal life and the all-seeing eyes of God. From Idle Speculations.
Newsletter