The Immaculate Conception VI: Queen conceived without original sin; 'I sing of a maiden'

"Mystical Rose, Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.

In your instructions and announcements to Catherine Laboure and Bernadette Soubirous, you confirmed the mystical nature of your identity. Bernadett had called you 'That'. You supplied the missing definition, 'I am that which is the Immaculate Conception.' Our Litany in your honour conveys, through inadequate human image and metaphor, the glimmerings of our understanding of your grace, privilege, and function in God's plan for our salvation. We offer it in love and humility.

'I sing of a maiden that is makeless *
King of all kinges to her son she ches **
He came all so stille ther his mother was
as dew in Aprille that falleth on the grass.
He came all so stille to his mother's bowr,
as dew in Aprille that falleth on the flowr.
He came all so stille ther his mother lay,
as dew in Aprille that falleth on the spray.
Mother and maiden was never none but she;
well may such a lady Godes mother be.
(Anon, c.1450)

*makeless, without a mate
** ches, chose"

Copyright Jane Mossendew 2002

Tomorrow: History and Lore of the Rose and its connection with the Blessed Virgin Mary.