The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady Rosa Mystica on July 13 in memory of the series of apparitions by the Blessed Virgin Mary to a humble Italian woman in Montichiari, Northern Italy, in 1947.
In the image of Our Lady Rosa Mystica, three roses can be seen in her heart, representing prayer, penance, and expiation. The Marian title “Rosa Mystica” has a long history within the Church and is included in the Litany of Loreto. Since the early days of the Church, Christians have likened Mary to the enigmatic and mystical rose.
Rose serves as a symbol of martyrdom and paradise, making it a fitting comparison for Mary. St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote, “Eve was a thorn, wounding, bringing death to all; in Mary, we see a rose, soothing everybody’s hurts, giving the destiny of salvation back to all.
The apparition of the Virgin Mary with Francisco and Jacinta, the two children of Fatima, to Pierina Gilli is regarded as a continuation of the message of Fatima. The Virgin Mary asked Pierina to urge the faithful to pray the holy rosary, repent for their sins against faith and morals, and perform penance.
During the apparition on July 13, 1947, Our Lady said: “It is my wish that July 13 of each year be celebrated in honor of the Rosa Mystica, the Mystical Rose. I am the Mother of the mystical body of Christ – Mother of the Church.” She is the Mother of the Church and the Mother of us all.
On the seventh apparition that occurred on December 8, 1947, Our Lady said, “I come here to Montichiari because it is my wish to be appealed to and venerated as ‘Rosa Mystica.’ I wish people to celebrate each year on December 8 at noon, the hour of grace for the whole world. With this exercise, one will receive numerous spiritual and bodily graces.”
Pope Paul VI, on May 5, 1969, asked that the Holy Rosary be prayed and that Mary be honored with the title of “Mystical Rose.” Mary is considered the most beautiful of God’s creations and is indeed “the Incarnate Rose,” especially chosen by God. She is the “rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys” (Song of Solomon 2:1).
SW PRAYER
Source: Catholic Saint of the Day
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