“Virgo fidelis”: that is, Faithful Virgin, [The Loretto Litanies] “who kept all these things in her heart.” [Cf. Lk 2:19, 51] She remained so little, so recollected in God’s presence, in the seclusion of the temple, that she drew down upon herself the delight of the Holy Trinity: “Because He has looked upon the lowliness of His servant, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed!” [Lk 1:48] The Father bending down to this beautiful creature, who was so unaware of her own beauty, willed that she be the Mother in time of Him whose Father He is in eternity.
Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity
Heaven in Faith, Day 10, 1
Pierre-Paul Prud’hon, (French, 1758-1823)
Charcoal, stump, white highlights on paper, ca. 1800
Petit Palais, musée des Beaux-arts de la Ville de Paris
(Paris Musées / Public domain)
Elizabeth of the Trinity, S 2014, I Have Found God, The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity Volume 1: Major spiritual writings, translated from the French by Kane, A, ICS Publications, Washington DC.
What lovely words, and the most beautiful Madonna I have ever seen!! Reminds me of when Father was struggling to find the word ‘recollection’ in his Confession counsel, so I supplied it: “Good – you know the word – DO IT!”…
Yes, isn’t she lovely? Simply stunning, I was so taken with the image!