Sandro Magister on his blog Chiesa notes that Pope Francis has a special devotion to Mary, Untier of Knots:
In Scannone’s judgment, the instance of the Blessed Mother “untier of knots” helps us to understand more deeply the “pastoral” profile of Pope Francis and his accentuated attention to the “people.”
Go here to read the rest. PopeWatch had never heard of this devotion and it is indeed a powerful image, as all of us encounter many knots, some within ourselves, to untie as we traverse this vale of tears. Magister goes on to note that the Pope has always viewed himself as pastoral leaving the questions of doctrine to others. Perhaps his devotion to Mary, the Untier of Knots, indicates his belief that God will resolve such questions. At any rate knowledge of this devotion gives insight into the man that Pope Francis is, even if, as with so many things about this Pope, the insight raises as many questions as it answers.
Interesting, I’ve never heard of this devotion either.
Here’s a prayer card I found thru Google images:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qeQZjhIRO5U/S_PO_1bL9WI/AAAAAAAAAmc/Uvu3EH37vyI/s1600/Mary+Undoer+of+Knots.jpg
PS why do you always use the same photo of His Holiness checking his watch?
Several weeks ago I went to a Catholic bookstore. A display of Mary, Untier/Undoer of Knots holy cards and coins were on prominent display. I bought some for myself and friends because we all have “knots” in our lives and I thought the history of the devotion with associated miracles is interesting. Not the history of the present Pope’s devotion, but the original reason the painting was commissioned and the symbolism the artist used. Hint: the ribbon was used in the matrimony service. Although there is a website with the title of the painting with an English translation, I suggest looking at several for a complete history.
“Why do you always use the photo of His Holiness checking his watch?”
Let me guess — because this is Pope Watch?
Thomas, Followed your link; hadn’t seen the novena prayer. Very nice. Thank you.
“Let me guess — because this is Pope Watch?”
Yep! Bad puns are a weakness of mine.
“Pope Watch” why the picture of the Pope looking at his watch, reminds me of my daughter Katie, we always have to explain these plays on words to her. Even though she if 44! Bawha!
Thank you for this. We had heard about it at the Queen of Peace shrine at Trinity Heights in Sioux City and prayed the Mary Undoer of Knots Rosary Novena for our son. When we first attended an Encourage meeting, one of the members gave us a holy card of her, and another member gave me Mary Undoer of Knots pendant to wear on a necklace. A great comfort.
Ah, a back-handed compliment … my, aren’t things looking up a PopeWatch.
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When I first heard of this devotion, it inspired me to write a song called “Mary Untier of Knots.” Please give a listen if you have a chance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToPHTH1StgI