During the liturgical season of Christmas many Christians sing an ancient hymn, “Behold a Mystical Rose,” with words that compare the Blessed Virgin Mary to a “Mystical Rose.” One of the verses of the hymn includes the words: “Behold, the cause of our joy, who bore the infinite Child. Through you Salvation came; all praised and blest be your name!”
Of course we are six months away from Christmas 2025, but the roses growing in our cloister garden certainly call to mind Mary as the “Mystical Rose.” Today’s photo illustrates the point well.
Because of generous rains recently received and fairly mild temperatures so far this season, the variety of roses we grow are doing very well. They regularly find their way into our monastery church to decorate for Sundays and feasts.
Soon the Easter lilies we had in church this year that were planted in our garden after the Easter season, will be blooming too. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is also often symbolized by the lily, a flower associated with purity as well as with humility.
Be assured of our prayers and please keep us in yours. Thank you.
Abbot Christian and the monks
