Visions of Mary (5): Mary’s Example

Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) wrote, “…never forget the example of Mary’s life.” How does (or how can) the example of Mary’s life inspire you?

Mary praying, 14th century, Piat Chapel

My prayer:
God, your willingness to limit yourself to developing within a woman’s body amazes me. Help me, like Mary, to know You from the inside out.

Mary Praying, Piat Chapel, 14th century

Scriptural Touchstone:
[After the ascension of Jesus the disciples] were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus… Acts 1:14 (NRSV)

Invitation to Pray:
As you ponder the example of Mary’s life, what prayers are emerging in your body, mind, heart, and imagination? Pray them now.

Mary visits Bishop Fulbert when he was very ill

Photos:
These images of Mary praying were all taken Chartres Cathedral in France. The image shown above is in a stained glass window depicts the life of Fulbert, bishop of Chartres from 1006-1028. This window was commissioned by the Institute of American Architects and was created in 1954 by Francois Lorin. This photo is found in the Prologue of Visions of Mary (page xii).

To look inside (Introduction and Chapter One of Visions of Mary)
Available at
Amazon, Paraclete Press, and Barnes and Noble
Interested in buying the book in volume? Contact Sister Estelle at Paraclete Press for pricing options.

Posts that center on the images shown in Visions of Mary:

1. Visions of Mary: The Blue Virgin Window at Chartres
2. Visions of Mary: Looking Towards God
3. Visions of Mary: Notre Dame de Chartres
4. Visions of Mary: An Angel’s Perspective