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PEOPLE of GOD
Help in Times of Trouble By Carol Feeney, Project Rachel Coordinator Mother of God, Mother of Mankind, Queen of Heaven, Queen of the Earth, Queen of Peace Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, Mother of Good Counsel
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hristians have given Mary special names over the centuries from their knowledge of her as our powerful intercessor before God. She is an accessible link for us to the supernatural, and she is a universal symbol of maternal love. The names we have given her reflect her mercy, wisdom, protection, and the miracles attributed to her intercession. Some of her names come from the places where she has appeared on earth after her Assumption, with messages for us, pointing us to Jesus. National Geographic magazine referred to Mary as “the most powerful woman in history” in an article from December 2015 (How the Virgin became the Most Powerful Woman in History). As Christians we also know her as the most pure and humble woman who has ever lived. During the second century, St. Ireneus said, “The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by the obedience of Mary (Adversus Haereses, III, 22, 4).” This statement may mark the beginning of a devotion to Mary Untier of Knots, who prays for us when we ask for her intersession. Around the year 1700, a German artist painted Mary untying knotted ribbon, the knots symbolizing all the problems offered to her in supplication for her help. The work was inspired by the story of a failing marriage, restored by Mary of Snows, with a miracle involving a ribbon from the couple’s wedding ceremony. Today the devotion to Mary Untier (or Undoer) of Knots is a special devotion of Pope Francis and believers all over the world. It reflects on Mary helping us find solutions to our problems, which may include stressed relationships, loneliness, remorse, despair, addiction, and grief from abortion. Mary is our example of wisdom, and she asks God to free us from the bondage of these problems. If you suffer grief and related problems from an abortion decision, there is hope for healing, reconciliation, and freedom. Please call the confidential Project Rachel message line at 505.831.8238.
August 2020
