Immaculate Heart of Mary

The day after the feast of Sacred Heart, we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On this occasion I share with you one of my favorite hymns that is used in the Breviary which the priests recite daily. This is taken from the hymn of the Morning Prayer of the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a poem whose text is attributed to Dominican sisters:
Mary the dawn, Christ the Perfect Day;
Mary the gate, Christ the Heavenly Way!

Mary the root, Christ the Mystic Vine;
Mary the grape, Christ the Sacred Wine!

Mary the wheat, Christ the Living Bread;
Mary the stem, Christ the Rose blood-red!

Mary the font, Christ the Cleansing Flood;
Mary the cup, Christ the Saving Blood!

Mary the temple, Christ the temple’s Lord;
Mary the shrine, Christ the God adored!

Mary the beacon, Christ the Haven’s Rest;
Mary the mirror, Christ the Vision Blest!

Mary the mother, Christ the mother’s Son;
By all things blest while endless ages run. Amen.