The Holy Name of Mary

Today's meditation in the Magnificat on this feast of the Holy Name of Mary.



         The great name of Mary did not come to her from her parents. And it was not given to her by the mind or will of man, as is the case with other names that are imposed in this world.... "The name of Mary came from the treasure house of God." according to Richard of St. Lawrence. "Your exalted and admirable name, O Mary, came from the treasure house of God, because all the Persons in the Blessed Trinity bestowed on you a name that is superior to every other name except that of your Son." And they ennobled it with such majesty and power that whenever it was heard, all who were in heaven, on earth, or in hell, would bend their knees and reverence it... As regards the course of our life, the holy anchorite Honorius used to say that "this name of Mary is full of every kind of sweetness and divine flavor." Saint Anthony of Padua found in Mary's name the same sweetness which Saint Bernard in that of Jesus. "Name of Jesus!" exclaimed the one. "Name of Mary!" replied the other.
             We gather from the sacred Canticles that when Our Lady was assumed into heaven the angels asked her name three times."Who is this coming up the desert, like a column of smoke? (Cant 3:6). Again: Who is this that comes forth like the dawn? (Cant 6:10). And again: Who is this coming up from the desert, leaning upon her lover. (Cant 8:5). "Why? asks Richard of Saint Lawrence, "do the angels ask so often for this Queen's name?" His answer: "Because the name of Mary is so sweet, even to the angels, they desire to hear it over and over again."


                                                                                        Saint Alphonsus Liguori