The Virtual Oratory

The first icon anyone who paints is this face of Christ. The second is Virgin and Child. There is a reason for this!!!

Pope John Paul II, ever mindful of the eastern Church, promoted as Benedict XVI did as theologian Joseph Ratzinger, the older tradition found in Greek of translating HAIL MARY (the Latin version) as Rejoice Mary. This proclmation of joy will be the central theme of these Mary pages. 

PS In 2008 the Italian lectionary will have this translation in Luke: REJOICE MARY, full of grace.... 

July 2nd is the Feast of the Visitation:

Two women...pregnant against all odds...know that Mary is the mother of the Lord...Before anything happens except for the bare beginnings, they believe! It will take the disciples quite a long time and many experiences before they catch up with these two women. St Elizabeth, pray for us! Mary, Mother of Jesus, pray for us!