Our Lady of the Sign

What is the devotion to Our Lady of the Sign?

Devotion to Our Lady of the Sign is a Catholic devotion that centers around the worship and veneration of the Virgin Mary under the title of “”Our Lady of the Sign””, this devotion is rooted in the belief that the Virgin Mary is a powerful intercessor and protector, who can guide and protect her devotees in times of need.

The origins of the devotion to Our Lady of the Sign can be traced back to the first century AD, when the Jewish people were waiting for the coming of the Messiah. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to the Jewish prophet Isaiah, who foretold the coming of the Messiah, and told him that she would bear a son who would be the savior of the world. This event is known as the “”Annunciation”” and is commemorated in the Bible in the Gospel of Luke.

One of the main reasons for the devotion’s popularity is the belief in the Virgin Mary as the mother of Jesus, and her role in the salvation of the world. According to Catholic theology, the Virgin Mary is the mother of the Messiah, and her willingness to bear him and accept God’s plan for salvation is seen as a powerful act of faith and obedience.

The devotion to Our Lady of the Sign is often associated with a particular image or statue of the Virgin Mary, which is venerated by devotees. The statue or image typically depicts the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus and a sign of an Open Book or an “”M”” ( Mary initial) This image is believed to be a powerful reminder of the Virgin Mary’s role as the mother of the Messiah and her acceptance of God’s plan for salvation.

The devotion to Our Lady of the Sign is celebrated in various ways by Catholics around the world. One of the most popular ways of celebrating this devotion is by offering special masses, liturgical celebrations and processions in honor of Our Lady of the Sign. Many churches also dedicate special novenas, devotions and Rosary in her honor.

The Feast of Our Lady of the Sign is celebrated on November 27th in the Catholic Church, This feast day is an opportunity for Catholics to give thanks for the life of the Virgin Mary, her acceptance of God’s plan for salvation, and her intercession. Many communities around the world organize processions where the statue or image of Our Lady of the Sign is carried through the streets, followed by hymns and prayers.

Many Catholics believe that by offering devotion to Our Lady of the Sign, they are placing themselves under her protection and guidance, and that her example of faith and obedience can be an inspiration to them in their own lives. Additionally, her acceptance of God’s plan for salvation is seen as a reminder that through faith and obedience, we can also participate in God’s plan for salvation.

When is the feast day of Our Lady of the Sign?

The Feast Day of Our Lady of the Sign is celebrated annually on November 27th. It is a Marian feast day that honors the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Sign.

The devotion to Our Lady of the Sign is based on the story of the miraculous appearance of Mary to the people of Constantinople in the year 940. According to the legend, the city was under attack by the Saracens, and the people had no hope of victory. They turned to the Virgin Mary for help, and she appeared in the sky holding the Christ child in her arms. She made the sign of the cross and the enemy was defeated.

On the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Sign, many Catholics will attend a special Mass in honor of the Virgin Mary. There may also be a procession with a statue of Our Lady of the Sign, and many people will offer prayers and light candles in honor of the Virgin Mary.

The Feast Day of Our Lady of the Sign is an opportunity for Catholics to honor the Virgin Mary and to remember her miraculous protection of Constantinople. It is also a reminder of the many ways in which the Virgin Mary has touched the lives of so many people throughout history through her intercession and the power of prayer.

 

Prayers to Our Lady of the Sign

Our Lady of the Sign, also known as the “”Sign of the Theotokos,”” is a title given to the Virgin Mary in recognition of the biblical story of her being chosen by God to give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. The devotion to Our Lady of the Sign emphasizes the role of the Virgin Mary as the “”God-bearer”” and her significance in the history of salvation. This devotion is not widely recognized by the Catholic Church but it has a following among some Catholics.

One of the most popular prayers to Our Lady of the Sign is the “”Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos.”” This hymn is a traditional hymn of the Eastern Orthodox Church that praises the Virgin Mary, and it goes as follows:

“”Hail, O Bride unwedded! The Lord is with thee; for thou art the throne of the King. In thee, O Theotokos, the incarnate Word found rest. Wherefore, we sing to thee: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!””

Another popular prayer to Our Lady of the Sign is the “”Troparion of the Sign”” which goes as follows:

“”Today the Virgin stands in the midst of the Church, and with choirs of Saints she invisibly prays to God for us. Angels and Bishops venerate her, Apostles and prophets rejoice together, since for our sake she prays to the Eternal God.””

The devotion to Our Lady of the Sign is an expression of love and honor for the Virgin Mary and her unique role in salvation history. It is also an invitation to contemplate on the mystery of the incarnation and the role of Mary in bringing Jesus, the savior of the world, into the world.