Mother Most Admirable

Despite being a cradle-Catholic, I only learned of Our Lady depicted as Mater Admirabilis a few years ago.  This is her story:  

"In 1844, at the Trinita dei Monti convent in Rome, a French novice by the name of Pauline Perdrau received permission from the Mother Superior to paint a fresco of Our Lady.  She spent months painting working on the fresco.  Despite her effort, the image was not very good, and the Mother Superior covered it with a curtain to hide it.  Two years later, Pope Pius IX was visiting the convent, and out of curiosity drew back the curtain.  The painting had been transformed and beautiful.  He exclaimed “Mater Admirabilis!,” which means “Mother Most Admirable!”  Word quickly spread, and many began a devotion to Mother Most Admirable.  Under this title, Our Lady began to grant favors and miracles, and the Feast of Mater Admirabilis is celebrated on October 20^th.

In the image, Our Lady is pictured in a beautiful rose-colored gown with an ivory veil and twelve stars crowning her head.  She’s seated, and looks peaceful and contemplative.  On one side of her are lilies, symbolizing Mary’s purity in thought and deed.  On her other side is a spindle, symbolizing her patient labor throughout her life and her devotion to the home.  Some say the basket next to her stands for hope, or charity for those in need.  On top of the basket is a book, symbolizing her patronage for learning."

Mater Admirabilis depicts several things that I love about the Blessed Mother.  Her peaceful, contemplative spirit is something that I greatly admire, as well as her utter purity.  I love that though Our Lady was an uncommonly educated young woman, she devoted herself to God and to her family.  She used her gifts to raise Our Lord to the best of her ability, caring for as well as educating Him.  She is everything that I admire, and everything that I strive to be.

Mother Most Admirable, Pray for us!