Mary, Untier of Knots


One of the things I like about Catholicism is that it's such a big, rich, historical, multicultural, expansive, universal church that I often discover new facets of the faith. For example, pictured on the cover of the October edition of my daily prayer book is the depiction of Mary as Our Lady of the Knots.

I had never heard of Our Lady of the Knots, but I learned that it is a both a devotion and a painting. Sr. Iraneus said "the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the virgin Mary set free through faith." 


In 1700, Johann Schmidtner painted the above of Mary undoing a knot while she crushes the head of a knotted serpent. While he was studying in Germany, Pope Francis (then Jorge Mario Bergoglio), saw the painting and brought the devotion to Mary back to Argentina. 

I can see why. Who wouldn't like someone to help untie the knots in one's life? I know I would. It seems like this is a perfect role for a mother, and Mary is the mother of us all. 

Here is a prayer written by Pope Francis in honor of Mary, Undoer of Knots.

Mary, Undoer of Knots,
by remaining forever Our Mother,
you put in order and make clearer 
the ties that link us to the Lord.
Through your grace, your intercession, and your example,
deliver us from all evil, Our Lady,
and untie the knots that prevent us from being united with God,
so that we, free from sin and error,
may find God in all things,
may have our hearts placed in God,
and may serve God always in our brothers and sisters.
Amen


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