Today's devotion: meaning of the name of Mary

1. Maria means Lady. So interprets S. Pier Crisologo; and it is precisely the Lady of Heaven, where Queen sits, honored by the Angels and Saints; the Lady or Patron of the Church, at the behest of Jesus himself; the Lady of Hell, since Mary is the fear of the abyss; the Lady of virtues, possessing them all; the Lady of Christian hearts, whose affection she receives; the Lady of God, because Mother to Jesus-God. Don't you want to elect her to Lady or Patron of your heart?

2. Mary, star of the sea. St. Bernard interprets this, while we row in search of the port of the eternal homeland, in calm weather. Mary enlightens us with the splendor of her virtues, sweetens us the boredom of life; in the storms of the tribulations, of the worries, it is the star of hope, the comfort of those who resort to her, Mary is the star that guides to the Heart of Jesus, to the love of Him. to the interior life, to Heaven ... O dear star, I will always trust in you.

3. Maria, that is, bitter. So some Doctors explain it. Mary's life was precisely greater bitterness than any other; it is compared to the sea whose bottom is scanned in vain. How many tribulations in poverty, in travel, in exile; how many swords in that maternal heart in anticipation of the death of his Jesus! And on Calvary, who can explain the bitterness of Mary's pain? In tribulations remember Maria Addolorata, pray to her, and draw patience from her.

PRACTICE. - Recite the five Psalms of the Name of Mary, or at least five Ave Maria.