Be Holy, Be Happy!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2009

Day Seven
If we will listen to this word of yours, the way will be easier, the goal closer, and our confidence more certain that we shall reach sanctity. (W. Giaquina)

“We wish to root in Mary our program of the universal call to holiness as well. This is why our official invocation is based on the principle of Trust, ‘O Immaculate Heart of Mary, true model of every holiness, give trust to become saints’. May the Most Holy Mary bestow upon us, and upon all souls, the confidence that we can truly reach holiness.” (Giaquinta, Program of Spiritual Life)

"From this moment holiness must be the goal of your every choice and decision. Entrust this desire and this daily commitment to Mary, Mother of Trust! This most pacifying title corresponds to the invitation, repeated in the Gospel and addressed to the Virgin by the Angel and then so many other times by Jesus to his disciples: 'Do not be afraid' (cf. Lk 1: 30). 'Do not be afraid, for I am with you', says the Lord. In the icon of Our Lady of Trust, in which the Child points to the Mother, it seems that Jesus is adding, 'Look at your Mother and do not fear'." (Pope Benedict XVI, Feb 2, 2008)

A Closer Look at Our Lady of Trust: The focal point of the composition is the space between the faces of Jesus and Mary and between their hearts. This space is an iconographic representation of the "Breath" of the Holy Spirit that rests on the Word made man, the Son of Mary, and that is poured out upon us.
The dark background of the painting represents the dimension of the divine that goes beyond time and space. The flowing robes of our Lady with their vibrant colors convey the honor that is given to her as the Theotokos, the God-bearer. The blue mantle symbolizes the Divinity; the red dress identifies Mary as the Mother of God; and the white scarf around Mary’s neck represents her acceptance of the mystery of salvation and the plan of God. Although the Baby Jesus is naked, He is warmed by the reassuring arms of His mother who wraps and covers Him with the white cloth.
In its strong yet gentle features, the face of the Theotokos is the face of Mother Church generating and molding God’s people into the image of her Son. In the heart of every person, in joyful moments as in sorrowful ones, two old affections are associated; two dear words are united to each other: Mother and Trust. These two words intertwine almost instinctively in a prayer:
My Mother, My Confidence! (Giuliana Spigone)

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