Zaragossa

According to tradition, the first apparition of the Blessed Mother occurred just seven years after the crucifixion of our Lord. The Apostle James was evangelizing in Spain. James and his companions had stopped at a quiet spot to rest one evening, and they had begun to pray when James was startled by heavenly music, the sound of angels chanting, “Ave Maria, gratia plena.” The Apostle fell to his knees and saw a radiant light. He beheld the Blessed Virgin Mary descending from the clouds, seated on a marble pillar and surrounded by two companies of angels.



What is the meaning of this first recorded apparition of Mary Most Holy? The Apostle was out following the direction of our Lord Jesus: preaching the gospel to the whole world. In this painting by Bouguereau, we have a vision of Mary before a marble throne, eyes cast downward in all humility and grace, presenting her Son. They are surrounded by angels adoring the Christ Child. To me, this is a message from Heaven, affirming the role Jesus gave to His Mother—bringing her Child to the world.