
January 16 + Our Lady of Refuge
No title has drawn so many to the feet of Mary than that of Refuge of Sinners. Dating back to the time of Saint Germanus of Constantinople in the 8th century, this title is associated with the image of Mary as the New Eve. Where Eve was responsible for the suffering of humans since the fall from grace, the Virgin Mary is viewed as a source of healing. She is the new Eve who cannot eliminate the damage created by Eve, but who can limit it. Her fullness of grace, her position among the disciples of Christ, and her title as Mother of God are seen as assurances that the Virgin Mary is a powerful intercessor.
God’s infinite mercy has not only prepared for us a potent remedy against sin in the merits of Christ, but it has also given us poor sinners a secure refuge in the assistance of Our Lady Refuge of Sinners. In the Old Law there were cities of refuge to which the guilty could flee for safety; in the New Law, Mary’s mantle is for us that citadel of refuge for sinful souls. How can the Divine Wrath strike us if we are covered by the mantle of Mary, the chosen daughter and the honored Mother of God?
Our Lady of Refuge is thus not merely a pledge of our safety, but by her unrivaled sanctity, she is as earnest of pardon for all sinners who have recourse to her intercession.
Through God’s permission we are tempted in all sorts of ways; but Mary’s watchful assistance helps us put Satan to flight while she suggests to us, through our Guardian Angel, all manner of good thoughts and holy aspirations.
Saint Paul writes that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Unfortunately, as Pope John Paul II reminded the faithful ... Man has lost the sense of sin. Go to Our Lady under her title of Refuge of Sinners and ask her to help you see those defects of your soul that most impede your spiritual progress. Then make an act of contrition and go to confession. She will remain your shelter and your refuge.
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