The meaning behind some of the symbols in the painting of Mater Admirabilis:
- The Lily - symbol of her purity, meaning the heart-strength that permits a true and transcendent vision, single-heartedness in our quest for God
- The distaff and spindle - representing work and diligence
- The work-basket and Book of Holy Scriptures - her love of labor and of the Word of God. It is possible that Mater has just finished praying lectio and is now in contemplation on the Word of God, thus her lowered gaze reminds us to take time for quiet moments and contemplation in the midst of our hectic lives.
- The veil and crown of 12 Stars - symbolic of the Revelations 12:1 image of Mary in the New Testament and striking similarities to Our Lady of Guadalupe
- The palace or temple and columns – symbolic of a great portico over the world
- The pink dress – some have said that Pauline, wanted to wear her favorite pink dress at a time when her nurse thought it to be inappropriate. Pauline got her way with her image of Mary!
Mater tradition in Sacred Heart Schools
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, foundress of the Religious of the Sacred Heart, thought that copies of this fresco should be placed in all the Sacred Heart Schools as an inspiration to the many children of the Sacred Heart.’
On this feast, the students are asked to think of Mary as a young girl, someone who went through the universal adolescent struggle of growing up into an unknown future. Mary (Mater), has not figured out what she is being called to in life or by God. Her relationship with God, love for God, and desire to be faithful to God’s word, all grow as she does.
Mater is the Patron Saint of Sacred Heart students because she is like them, waiting and wondering on the threshold of life.
~ Lisa Buscher, RSCJ
