Mater Admirablilis!
With those words Pope Pius IX immortalized the hidden fresco of Sister Pauline Perdreau in 1846. What consigned such a celebrated image to darkness, secrecy, and obscurity? Others did, particularly Mother Josephine de Coriolis who saw the work of art as too brash, bright, and bold. Thus a curtain concealed Mary Most Admirable. I often wonder how Sister Perdrau felt during that time of darkness. How humiliating it must be to witness your efforts and talents covered up.
Poor Sister Perdrau, who daily saw the curtain that hid her talent, endured the whispers that spoke failure, and constantly wondered about the whys and whats. She is not alone. We have all been there. We take to heart Jesus' words spoken to his disciples regarding those who control or infringe upon the dignity of others: “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops" (Luke 12:2-3).
Fortunately for Sister Perdrau her talent wasn't unnoticed and another voice scattered the darkness and rescued her fresco from obscurity. I'll try to be mindful of what I conceal, keep secret, or hold in the dark. I'll offer it up to God in prayer and beg Mater to pull back the curtain to reveal something new and more wonderful.
Ray O'Connor, AssociateStuart Hall High School
