The Marian age began with the apparition of Our Lady in 1830 to St. Catherine Laboure to whom the Miraculous Medal was revealed. From that moment, Our Lady has come to visit us again and again with the purpose of helping us, warning us, and taking us to her Son.
In each of the apparitions that occurred after the Miraculous Medal: Lourdes, Pontmain, Banneaux, Beaurang, La Salette, Fatima, we see how Our Lady makes a constant call to conversion, prayer, and penance.
First Apparition:
In 1947, the Blessed Virgin appeared to Pierina Gilli, a nurse. On the first occasion, Mary wore a violet dress and a white veil around her head and was surrounded by a magnificent light. But she appeared sad with tears in her eyes. Pierina noticed that her heart was pierced with three swords and Our Lady said “Prayer, Sacrifice and Penance” and was silent.
Second Apparition:
During the subsequent appearances, Our Lady was dressed in white with three roses on her breast. Our Lady wished for a new marian devotion in the title 'Rosa Mystica'. She asked for the 'Hour of Grace' to be observed on 8th December every year. She asked that the thirteenth of each month be commemorated as a Marian day and 13th July to be celebrated each year in honour of the 'Rosa Mystica' (the Mystical Rose)"
What did the Swords mean?
First sword represented the unworthy celebration of Holy Mass and Holy Communion being received in an unworthy manner.
The second sword was for unfaithfulness of priests and religious and
The third sword represented betrayal of faith.
Our Lady came to ask for her prayers, sacrifices, and sufferings to repair for three kinds of sins of souls consecrated to God:
a) For those religious souls who betray their vocation
b) to repair for the mortal sin of these souls
c) to repair for the infidelity of priests who have made themselves unworthy of their sacred ministry.
What does the Three Roses Represent?
White Rose: Spirit of prayer to repair for the offenses to the Lord committed by religious who are unfaithful to their vocations
Red Rose: spirit of sacrifice to repair for the offenses to the Lord committed by religious who live in mortal sin
Yellow-Gold Rose: spirit of total immolation to repair for the offenses to the Lord committed by Judas-Priests, and in particular for the sanctification of priests
Furthermore, the three roses Mary holds in the visions of Rosa Mystica symbolize important aspects of the Christian life. The rose of prayer reminds believers of the importance of communing with God through regular and heartfelt prayer. The rose of sacrifice serves as a reminder of the call to selflessness and the willingness to offer oneself for the well-being of others. Finally, the rose of penance emphasizes the need for repentance and conversion, recognizing our human frailty and the need for God’s mercy.
Our Lady Said, “These three roses will be those who make the three swords fall from the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.” This call was made in a particular way to religious, and is extended to all who listen to the voice of our Mother and desire to be faithful and devoted to her. It is the call of a Mother to her children. Called to offer themselves for the good of others, especially souls consecrated to God.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Rosa Mystica, pray for all those priest and religious for the sake of your sorrows and your tears of blood, Save them.
