Four Mystics Who Wrote on the Life of Mary
Mysticism:
Though the meaning of the term mysticism may seem difficult at first to understand, scholars today simply refer to it as "a personal encounter with God that leads to a loving knowledge of Him". These scholars would presently use the term contemplation instead of mysticism, and view the subject as a common and normal activity in the lives of all Christians. It is seen as a religious experience of God that calls for deeper Christian commitment. This commitment can be expressed in deeper contemplative prayer with acts of service. Mysticism or contemplation of a "visionary" type is only one aspect of the religious reality of mysticism.
In the history of the Catholic Church, the 12th and 13th centuries A.D. saw the rise of schools of mysticism connected with different centers of spirituality. Among these schools were the Cistercians, the Franciscans, and the Victorines.
The 14th and 15th centuries A.D. on the other hand saw the rise of the Dominican school of mysticism, the Flemish mystics, and the prominent English mystics like the anchoress Julian of Norwich and the author of "The Cloud of Unknowing".
In the 16th century A.D., it was the Spanish mystics who made major contributions to Catholic spirituality. These were the Carmelite poet John of the Cross, his companion reformer Teresa of Avila, and their contemporary Ignatius of Loyola. It is the message of these Hispanic mystics which continuously still mold and shape most of our contemporary Catholic spirituality - a spirituality that is engaged in contemplative prayer and action in the transformation of self and others.
Qualifying mysticism
Mysticism of the "visionary" type has always been a subject of discussion in the Church. Among its many expressions, a few have merited approval, others are considered doubtful, and many have been looked upon as inauthentic. The faithful are encouraged by the Church to approach these mystical phenomenon with much caution and prudence. For any private or public revelation we hear or learn about, the basis of their authenticity is in the revelation's agreement with Scripture, Church tradition, with morality, and the decision of the Church.
With these guidelines given to us, they can help us discern and distinguish better which among the private and public revelations that occur in different parts of the world are in line with the teaching of the Church.
Four mystics who wrote on the Blessed Virgin Mary
"The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics" by Raphael Brown, is a book that compiles the writings of four women mystics: St. Elizabeth of Schöenau, St. Bridget of Sweden, Venerable Mother Mary of Agreda, and Sister Anna Catherine Emmerich. The book is a pleasing presentation of vivid narratives on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary "as seen by" four noted mystics of the Church. Since what is known of the Blessed Mother is biblically seen through the gospel narratives which mention her, the writings of these mystics add interesting details and picturesque stories of her life. It may not be as important as the gospel narratives, but they can lead to greater love and devotion to the Blessed Mother of God. As suggested by the Rev. Ryan in the foreword of the book, this work is one that is to be leisurely and lightly read as a religious novel.
Brief backgrounders on the life of the four mystics who wrote on Mary
St. Elizabeth of Schöenau (ca. 1129-1164)
Coming from a humble German family in the Rhineland, St. Elizabeth entered the Benedictine double monastery of Schöenau near Bonn at the age of twelve years old. She made her religious profession in 1147 A.D., and began to practice austerity and mortification. In ca. 1152 A.D., she had her first vision - the first of many throughout her life. Some visions were of evil origin that left her bruised and beaten. All these visions were recorded in three books with the help of her brother Egbert - a monk, and then abbot of Schöenau. Though honored locally and in her Order, she was never formally beatified or canonized. She is referred though as St. Elizabeth in the Roman Martyrology. The revelations she received are similar to those of Saints Hildegard, Gertrude, and Mechtilde. Appointed abbess in 1157 A.D., she died at Schöenau in June 18. Her spirituality exercised a profound influence during the medieval times.
St. Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373)
The daughter of the governor of Upland, Sweden, St. Bridget experienced visions at the age of 10. She was married at age of 14 to Ulf Gundmarsson, and bore eight children - one of whom was St. Catherine of Sweden. In 1343 A.D., her husband entered the Cistercian monastery of Alvastra, and died the following year. She then entered the Third Order of St. Francis and began a life of poverty and prayer. So great was her fame for sanctity that she was canonized by Pope Benedict IX just 18 years after her death on July 23, 1373 A.D.
St. Bridget dictated her revelations to several learned priests who were at various times also her spiritual directors. These revelations comprise nine books that cover more than 1500 pages. The "Revelations" of St. Bridget of Sweden were among the most popular books in Europe during the late Middle Ages. They contain a good study on the life of Mary and Jesus. The value of these writings reside in the very spirituality of St. Bridget herself - who was named patroness of Sweden and a saint. Her sanctity came from her austerity, concern for the poor and pilgrims, daily confession, and constant smiling face which impressed many people of her time.
Venerable Mother Mary of Jesus of Agreda
(1602-1665 A.D.)
Born on April 2, Mary of Agreda entered a Conceptionist Poor Clare convent - which her devout parents founded in their home town in Agreda, Old Castille, Spain. She is famous for her biographical work on the Blessed Virgin, "The Mystical City of God". At the start, this writing stirred considerable controversy - causing condemnation from some sectors, while eliciting official approbation from others. Whatever the reasons for or against the Venerable Mary's work, there is hope that all controversies may cease and the undertaking may be blessed for an increase of devotion to the Blessed Mother of God.
Sister Anna Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824 A.D.)
Born on September 8 to a family of poor peasants, Anna Catherine entered the Augustinian convent in Duelman in 1802 A.D. When the convent closed in 1812 A.D. due to the Napoleonic wars, she moved to a private home where she resided until her death. From childhood, Anna Catherine experienced many extraordinary mystical graces. In 1812 A.D., the "stigmata", or wounds of Christ, became visible in her person. Clemens von Bretano, a German romantic poet, took extensive notes of her visions. It is said that these Emmerich-Bretano writings exercised a widespread influence on the piety of the Catholic faithful, even outside of Germany.
Special nature of sources
Due to the special nature of the sources, the book "The Life of Mary" must be read as a religious novel. The principal lesson of this book is: that the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary is above all a model par excellence of the interior life. We can learn from this work that instead of seeking "phenomenon" or visions, a better practice of interior life is the exercise of inner recollection and contemplative prayer: one based on Scriptural meditation and the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary - who contemplated the word of God and pondered on it in her heart.
Other related sources:
- "The Future of Our Past: The Message of the Hispanic Mystics to Contemporary Spirituality" by Segundo Galilea
- "The New Dictionary of Theology" by Komonchak, Collins, and Lane (editors)
- "Dictionary of Saints" by John J. Delaney
- "A Year With the Saints" by Don Bosco Press
- Praying With Mary
- Seven Wonderful Effects of Devotion to Mary
- Six Popular Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Books on Mary and a Documentary on the Nativity from Ignatius Press.com
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