SUPER OMNES SPECIOSA

 The title of Mary as Super omnes speciosa was used by the composer of the Latin Marian hymn "Ave Regina Caelorum" to describe the position of Mary in the company of the blessed. The Latin phrase can be translated to mean the fairest amongst the fair or the most beautiful amongst the beautiful. Thus, Mary is presented as the most glorious amongst the blessed in Heaven. This is a usual attribute given to Mary in her special role as the Theotokos (Mother of God) and in her singular privilege of been immaculately conceived whilst maintaining that immaculateness all her life. Thus, both by reason of her position as the Mother of God and her life of sinlessness, Mary has a special place among the Elect.

This special honor of Mary has been viewed by many, through the century, as a brightness that overshadows the brightness of the other elect. Thus, following this mind set, it will imply that the brightness of Mary's glory overshadows the glory of other saints in heaven. When Mary appears in her brightness the other saints in heaven are overshadowed. But one will be right to ask, How can the brightness of a Mother overshadow that of her Children. St. Theresa of the Child Jesus reflecting on this issue argues that, it will be inappropriate to think that the glory of a Mother overshadows that of her children instead it should brighten it the more. For this is ordinarily the tendency of every good Mother. Since Mary, as the Mother of God, is the mother of the elect, it is only appropriate that the glory of Mary should brighten the glory of all the other saints and make it shine better.

We all shine in different capacities. We have our different gifts and no matter how bad one seems to be, there are definitely areas that he/she excels. The basic question here is; How do we manage our brightness? Do we allow our brightness to overshadow those around us or do we give more light to those who do not shine as bright as we do? When Jesus said that we should shine so brightly that others may see us and give thanks to our Father in heaven, I do not suppose that he implied that our brightness should overshadow others but that it should lead them to the ultimate good which is the Father in heaven. Even so, in the little experiences of our daily life, let our brightness so shine that it may lead others to both their immediate goods and at last, to the eternal blessedness. Mary understood this as her brightness brought joy at the wedding feast at Cana and continues to bring joy to the many souls in heaven who through her intercessory brightness, have attained their ultimate good. Let us learn from Mary, let our brightness shine before men to the end that they may be better persons and at last give glory to our Father in heaven for all eternity.

MARY, QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS 

PRAY FOR US

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