Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today, on our parish patron Mary’s solemnity, let us approach her by some of the names found in her litany.
Theotokos
Theotokos is the name given to her at the Council of Ephesus in 431 when it was proclaimed that Mary is the Mother of God—the “God bearer”—not only the Mother of “the Christ.”
Star of the Sea
Star of the Sea reflects that she is always pointing to her son. In her we find guidance much as seafarers of old found guidance in the stars. This is often a name given to churches near bodies of water. It’s even more lovely in Latin, Stella Maris.
Mary, Undoer of Knots
Credit to this name is given to St. Irenaeus: “The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by the obedience of Mary; what the virgin Eve bound by her unbelief, the Virgin Mary loosened by her faith.” When we have difficult problems we can bring them to Mary, Undoer of Knots with confidence that her intercession will help us untangle the trouble. (Our dear Pope Francis had a special devotion to Mary in this title.)
The Morning Star
St. John Henry Cardinal Newman wrote about her many names: “it is Mary’s prerogative to be the Morning Star, which heralds the sun. She does not shine for herself or from herself, but she is the reflection of our Redeemer, and glorifies Him.” Again, an image of Mary, pointing to Jesus.
Mystical Rose
Saint Newman explains that Mary is a rose because it is the most beautiful of all the flowers and she is the most beautiful of women. “Mystical” suggests that she is hidden, a reference to the fact that she was assumed into heaven therefore her body is no longer on earth. Mary, in her Irish title of Our Lady of Knock, is called “golden rose.”
Help of Christians
Mary, Help of Christians, refers to assistance Mary gave to St. Dominic when he instituted the Rosary and was then successful in battling heresy in France. It also is in reference to several instances when Mary came to the aid of Christians defending themselves against the Turks.
Seat of Wisdom
Mary, Seat of Wisdom, reflects her motherhood to Jesus, the Word of God, who was carried by her and sat in her lap. It also references her intimate relationship with the Son of God.
Gate of Heaven
“It was fitting as a woman began the destruction of the world, so a woman also began its recovery, and that, as Eve opened the way for the fatal deed of the first Adam, so Mary should open the way for the great achievement of the second Adam.” - St. Newman
Mother of Good Counsel
This name is attributed to Mary because of her willingness to counsel us through our troubles. It also refers to a painting of Our Lady of Good Counsel in a basilica in Genazzano, Italy. An Allied bomb fell on the basilica, destroying the church completely except for this painting.
These are just a few of the many names in the Litany of Loretto, for our Blessed Mother, Mother of God and mother of us all. This Advent let us turn toward her, greeting her with the name that feels the most personal and asking for her intercession, believing that she assists us as we await with hopeful hope the coming of our savior Jesus Christ.
—Timothy J. Cronin