Did you know that the Bible only quotes Mary in four gospels? (Read Bible Quotes from Mary, by Sister M. Danielle Peters, on the University of Dayton’s About Mary page.
There are, however, many saints and others who were privileged to receive visits from Our Lady after her Assumption into Heaven. According to these visionaries, during those visits Mary has shared her experiences, sometimes in great detail, with them.
Because the details Mary shares are not mentioned in scripture, I struggle with how the visionaries’ experiences can be verified. (I owe that to my former career in the newspaper business.) Despite that, I was drawn to the title of the recently published book, “The Passion of Christ Through the Eyes of Mary,” especially because we are currently at about the midpoint of the season of Lent.
During Lent, I am trying to pray the rosary more often. I have been imagining, each time I say the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary, what it was like for Mary as the Crucifixion unfolded.
The small, hardback book, compiled and translated by Father Robert Nixon, OSB, is published by Tan Books, located in North Carolina. The translator makes it clear in the introduction that what is recorded could include the visionary’s imagination about what it was like to be at the foot of the cross.
Wait. What? Imagination?
Fr. Nixon states upfront that while the scriptures are the foundation of the works in this book, the visionaries have added what he calls “devotional imagination” in order to create a more comprehensive view of what occurred.
While skeptical, I realized that when I pray, I find it helpful to “imagine” the scenes I am contemplating (i.e. the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning of Thorns, etc.). My imagination may not be an accurate portrayal, but what I “see” when I envision a biblical scenario helps me to focus on my prayer. Therefore, I realize I have been using my own devotional imagination all along.
Fr. Nixon also states that the three works in his book of translations shouldn’t be considered historically accurate, but rather they are provided to enhance one’s meditation and prayer.
If only I could sit down with Mary to interview her about her experiences. I’m a stickler for accurate quotes and would share her words exactly as she spoke them, without adding anything.
It’s hard to imagine that the most important woman who ever lived wasn’t given more space in the Bible.
I am hoping to bring more knowledge about the Virgin Mary to the world, especially during these times when we need her most. Please consider sharing this post, this site, or its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. I invite you to subscribe to this site (below) to be notified of new posts. Thank you.
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