Hail, holy throne of God,
divine sanctuary, house of glory,
jewel most fair, chosen treasure house
and mercy seat for the whole world,
heaven showing forth the glory of God

Purest Virgin, worthy of all praise, sanctuary dedicated to God
and raised above all human condition,
virgin soil, unploughed field, flourishing vine,
fountain pouring out waters, virgin bearing a child,
mother without knowing man,
hidden treasure of innocence, ornament of sanctity,
by your most acceptable prayers,
strong with the authority of motherhood,
to our Lord and God, Creator of all,
your Son, Who was born of you without a father,
steer the ship of the Church
and bring it to a quiet harbor.” St. Germanus (378-448)

 

Words are inadequate when it comes to reflecting on Mary’s role in the History of Salvation. God through the Archangel Gabriel gave her the highest compliment, when he said: “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) Mary herself proclaimed: “Behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.^” (Luke 1:48-49) Because of who God was in her life, Mary wanted early on in her life to be dedicated to the Lord, without knowing what God had in store for her as the Mother of the Savor. Can we dedicate ourselves to God without knowing what God’s plans are for us?