Mary's names
May the name of Mary be always on your lips, always in your hearts.
(St Bernard)
When you have said “Mary”, you've said everything. All love, all joy, all beauty, all greatness – absolutely everything!
But from earliest times Christians have given their Heavenly Mother lots of other loving names, just like when we say “Mummy darling” to our own mother. All of these names put together make up “litanies”. These are very ancient prayers that express all our reverence for Mary.
Some of these names are a bit mysterious and sometimes surprising. Each of them says something about Mary. They are like precious stones set in the crown of Mary, our Queen.
How beautiful these names for Mary are! I can sing them softly or recite them. They make up the most beautiful prayers.
How lovely all your names are, Mary!
Full of reverence and poetry,
they sing your glory.
Refuge of sinners, Tower of ivory,
City of God, Gate of Heaven,
House of gold, Spiritual vessel,
Health of the sick, Mirror of justice,
Star, rose, lily.
As we sing these litanies
we contemplate the marvels
that God has worked in you.
Thank you! 47 people prayed
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Col 4:6