November 20: Mary, Mother of Divine Providence

Today, November 20, we celebrate the feast of Our Blessed Mother Mary, Mother of Divine Providence. This title celebrates the role that the Lord entrusted to Mary, whose “loving providence is always wise and unfailing.” Established by Pope Benedict XIV in 1744, and granted to the Congregation of Clerks Regular of Saint Paul (also known as the Barnabites), devotion to Mary as Mother of Divine Providence celebrates the wisdom of the loving mother of Christ.


Pope Benedict XIV declared this feast in honor of our mother, who cares for each of her children “entrusted to her by Christ Jesus while He hung upon the cross.” He further proclaimed her the “handmaid of God’s love who interceded with her Son at Cana of Galilee for the bridegroom and bride.” Lastly, Pope Benedict XIV stated what all Catholics believe, that Mary, “now enthroned as Queen at her Son’s right hand, provides for all the needs of the Church.” We trust in the divine Providence of Our Lord, who chose Mary to bring forth the Savior of the World.

The devotion to Our Lady, Mother of Divine Providence is intimately connected to the history of the first Barnabite house in Rome, where it began. Since that time, devotion to Our Lady under this title has spread throughout the Church, as we recognize that Mary is the perfect teacher of what Providence should mean in our lives. Through the life of Mary, we learn not only about the Providence of Our Lord, but also to trust in that Providence, even when we are scared, the journey is difficult, or the moments we find ourselves in are more painful than we can tolerate. In those moments, in examining the life of Our Blessed Mother, we see her complete trust, and her cooperation with that which the Lord put before her.

In 1611, during the construction of the first Barnabite church in Rome, the Church of Saint Charles ai Catinari, money was sparse, and the pastor, Father Blaise Palma, was forced to halt construction. Not willing to give up on the completion of the project, however, Father Palma made a pilgrimage to Loreto to beg the aid of Our Lady who he was certain would hear his plea. Miraculously, upon his return to Rome, the order received the necessary financial means to continue building the church, and in 1650, construction was completed. Wishing to document the role of the Blessed Virgin in completion of the church, Father Palma wrote a lengthy and factual account and placed it in the parish archives. He recommended that everyone appeal to Mary with the greatest confidence whenever difficulties presented themselves.

Years later, the Barnabites were forced to abandon their home in Rome, and while fleeing, wished to remove a portion of the wall of the house on which was painted a miraculous image of Mary. Sadly, when they attempted to hang the secured mural over the alter in their new home, it shattered. The architect responsible for the destruction of the priceless image offered a remarkable painting of Our Blessed Mother holding the Infant Jesus in her arms (pictured at the top of this post, left). This painting, completed by Raphael’s disciple Gaetan, depicts Jesus confidently clasping the hands of his mother, Our Mother. The Barnabites interpret this pose to be a symbol of the sacred source of the power of the Mother of God. The Child seems to be saying: "Mother, I place in your hands the authority to act in my name. From my infinite treasure, you are to provide good things to all those who implore your aid."

This beautiful painting was placed on the altar of a chapel on the first floor of the Saint Charles rectory behind the main altar. The Barnabites used to gather there daily for the recitation of the Divine Office and their spiritual exercises. Upon discovery of the writings of Father Palma in the archives, the community came to be devoted to Our Lady of Divine Providence, as evidenced in the confident love of Father Palma and the confidence of Christ in Gaetan’s portrait.

When we consider Mary, Mother of Diving Providence, we are reminded that Our Lord does not make mistakes. Nothing happens by accident, but rather everything has it’s divine purpose. That purpose is always to bring us closer to the Lord who created us, through the intercession and grace bestowed upon us through His Mother. We are reminded that, like Mary, every event of our lives, every person we encounter, every mistake we make, can lead us even closer to God—if we trust in Him and cooperate with Him. Humbly, obediently, and patiently, we must place ourselves at the Lord’s disposal, trusting in His goodness, His wisdom, and His plan—however incomprehensible it may be!

PRAYER TO MARY, MOTHER OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE

Virgin Mary, Immaculate Mother of Divine Providence, protect our life and sanctify us with the gift of grace. Obtain for us from the Father of mercy and the God of consolation pardon for our sins, reconciliation with our brothers and sisters, and comfort in the midst of afflictions. Renew our hearts that they may be come worthy dwelling places of your Divine Son, Jesus. Help us in our struggles against mediocrity, self-seeking, and pride so we can generously serve our neighbor. We entrust ourselves to you, 0 Mary, in our pilgrimage in this world. We invoke you as our guide and our defense against dangers. In the present tribulations, give us secure refuge. 0 sweet Mother of Divine Providence, turn your eyes to ward us, you who are our hope on earth. Grant that we may have you as our Mother in the glory of heaven. Amen.



Year 2: Day 324 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Humility, Obedience, Patience, Trust in the Lord’s Plan.
Requested Intentions: Blessings on overseas employment (M); Healing of mother (L); Successful employment for husband (G); Successful employment, personal fulfillment (C); Health and recovery of ill sister (A);  Resolution of legal issues; Grace and protection (E); Successful and meaningful employment (S); Restoration of a marriage (A); Peace and tolerance in a family, support for those with Parkinson’s Disease (M); For the restoration of a daughter’s marriage, end to debt (S); Employment and continued strength (K); Successful examinations for a son (J); Employment and blessings of a child (S); Employment and financial security (F); Successful work placement, continued health (A); Grace and healing for a family (P); Healing of a father (M); Academic success for son, employment for husband and brother (B); Freedom from anxiety and panic attacks (R); Health and healing in preparation for surgery (C); Healing of a chronic illness (P); Safety of a family during storms (A); Successful home ownership (P); Healing of a marriage (M); Employment for a husband, blessings for a marriage (E); Successful examinations for a daughter, healing of a relationships (V).