Mary: Mother of Divine Love
My divine Son, Jesus … loved and blessed them [all God’s people] with the infinite love by leaving me as their mother … Acknowledge me and experience me as a Mother of Mercy. (OOCC, XIII, P. 550)
The visitation scene inspired St. Vincent Pallotti to visualize Mary as the Mother of Divine Love. Mary’s compassion for her aged cousin in her need, points to Mary’s heart that is full of love and mercy. She reaches out to help others in their need. St. Vincent perceived Mary, Mother of Divine Love, as one who has genuine interest in the spiritual wellbeing of every Christian saved by Christ. He advised everyone to approach Mary in moments of tribulation, difficulty, and temptation, for she had genuine compassion towards those who suffer from all form of evil, especially from sin. St. Vincent used a new image of Mary to represent her in the title of the Mother of Divine Love. This image consisted of a representation of Mary holding Jesus, portrayed as a child with his heart in his left hand, while Mary holds her heart in her left hand. These two hearts communicate the love of God and that of Mary for everyone. It is this image St. Vincent carried underneath his sleeve and gave people to kiss, instead of his hand. Mary, as the Mother of Divine Love, was very dear to St. Vincent, for he believed that through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Divine Love, the Holy Spirit would cause our hearts to vibrate with love.
Do I acknowledge Mary as the Mother of Divine Love? Do I believe in her powerful intercession? Do I approach Mary’s intercession in moments of tribulations and difficulties? Do I open my heart to her in order to be filled with the spirit of love?
Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] about three months, and returned to her home. (Lk. 1: 56)