Our Lady's Sorrows and the Iris

“And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed."

(Luke 2:34-35. Douay-Rheims Bible.)

On September 15, the Church honors the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 

Hearing the prophecy of Simeon

Fleeing into Egypt

Losing the Holy Child at Jerusalem 

Meeting Jesus on his way to Calvary

Standing at the foot of the Cross

Seeing Jesus taken down from the Cross

Witnessing the burial of Christ

According to Mary Gardener John S. Stokes, the Blue Flag iris or iris versicolor symbolizes Our Lady’s Sorrows because of Simeon’s prophecy that a sword would pierce her soul. The iris has sword-like foliage and is also known as the Sword Lily.

Image: Photograph of iris versicolor, from Wikimedia Commons. Some rights reserved.

The Holy Cross and the Basil Plant

Today, September 14, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The liturgical color is red.

The herb basil, which should be in every sacristan’s garden, is associated with the Cross. The word basil is related to the Greek word for king and is associated with Christ the King. There are various traditions connecting basil to St. Helena's discovery of the True Cross. It is said that a sprig of the fragrant plant was found growing from the sacred Wood.

Image: Ocymum basilicum, from Wikimedia Commons. Pursuant to Free License.

Feast of the Holy Name of Mary

 

"

Today, September 12, is the traditional feast day of the Holy Name of Mary.

As stated in an old Missal published in 1959, "The feast was instituted by Pope Innocent XI to commemorate a victory over the Turks at the walls of Vienna in 1683.  After the Holy Name of Jesus, no name is so dear to every Christian as that of Mary, His Mother and our Mother.  By invoking it we shall obtain protection, light and strength."

You can read more about the feast day at Fountain of Elias.

A conservative priest once explained to me that "Mar" is an honorific.

As for altar or home devotional space floral arrangements for this day, see the Introibo with Flowers post on Altar Flowers for Marian Feasts. 

 

Also see the Introibo post Tulips and Lilies for the Holy Name of Mary.