Lost and Found

"Our Lady of the Lost and Found" is the title of a charming novel by Canadian author Diane Schoemperlen (Viking, 2001). This story of the Virgin Mary's visit to a woman writer (preceded by The Day of Mechanical Miracles, during which all the writer's malfunctioning appliances suddenly repair themselves) is interspersed with accounts of Mary's appearances throughout history, including Our Lady of Walsingham, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Fatima, Medjugorje, and many more. A good read!

The name of my cathedral parish is St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. This statue of Mary is at the front of the cathedral, and a mural of Mary occupies pride of place behind the altar. Rosary prayers are offered to Mary, and numerous holy days of obligation are dedicated to her.

"Mary is the mother of Jesus. Who could know him better? You would think that the early Christians would flock to her, seeking her knowledge of their savior, writing down every word she spoke! Why, then, does she disappear from New Testament scripture after the Crucifixion?" 

I spoke these words to the Monsignor during our chat before mass today.  Afterward, I took this photo. Perhaps Mary too ponders these questions.