Mary, May, Mothers and Flowers

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Well, spring is officially here! Despite the recent snow and cold weather, a few daffodils bravely appeared in front of my house. Did you know that a daffodil is called Mary's star? In doing research for my book "The Catholic Companion to Mary," I discovered that more than 700 flowers and plants have been named for Mary or are connected to her through legends.  This makes sense because our Blessed Mother is the most beautiful of women, and flowers are arguably the loveliest of God's creations. Chaucer called Mary “the flower of flowers.” This Scripture verse is applied to her: “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys" (Song of Solomon 2:1). Mary gardens, where "Mary" flowers grow, beautify the grounds of our National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. and some parishes.
Here is a "bouquet" of Marian flowers for you as found in my book: Click to continue

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