July 14 Our Lady of the Bush (Portugal, 1110)

Feast Day of St. Bonaventure, Franciscan and Doctor of the Church

"What Mother loves her children and takes care of them as much as you do, Gentle Queen? You love and watch over us." -- St. Bonaventure

Our Lady, Mystical Rose (July 13)

Mary was called the Mystical Rose, Rosa Mystica in as far back as the seventh century. It was in honor of the MYSTERY of Christ from her womb.

The great Gothic cathedrals of the 13th century were designed with ROSE WINDOWS, The Mystic Rose, symbol of all creation. The Rose window at Notre Dame in Paris is one of the most beautiful as well as the one at Chartres Cathedral, called the 'Rose de France' and dedicated entirely to the Virgin Mary.

Rose Window

in honor of Our Lady

Chartres Cathedral, France

"When this beautiful rose, Mary began to bloom,

the winter of our sadness passed away,

the summer of our eternal joy began to arrive, and the May of eternal delight to shine. And with her was given back to us the greening,

delightful paradise."

(lines 205-209 - Our Lady Mary Rose Garden)

In his Divine Comedy, Dante described Mary as the mystic rose.

Ave Maria!