24 March 2019

Mary the Dawn

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As I continue to ponder the Annunciation both as an historical event and as a living Mystery, a poem came back to mind that many of you may recognise as a hymn once sung in church. Perhaps it is still sung in your community or parish:


Mary the Dawn, Christ the Perfect Day;

Mary the Gate, Christ the Heavenly Way!

Mary the Root, Christ the Mystic Vine;

Mary the Grape, Christ the Sacred Wine!

Mary the Wheat-sheaf, Christ the Living Bread;

Mary the Rose-tree, Christ the Rose blood-red!

Mary the Font, Christ the Cleansing Flood;

Mary the Chalice, Christ the Saving Blood!

Mary the Temple, Christ the temple's Lord;

Mary the Shrine, Christ the God adored!

Mary the Beacon, Christ the Haven's Rest;

Mary the Mirror, Christ the Vision Blest!

Mary the Mother, Christ the Mother's Son

Both ever blest while endless ages run. Amen.


Father Justin Mulcahy, C.P., (1894-1981)