+
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)
+
