Last updated on 12/23/2010
Visiting Duke University Chapel is a special treat during the holidays. The seasonal greenery and poinsettias in the massive sanctuary are spectacular. Angelic voices echoing on the stone walls, and the vividly colored stained-glass windows remind us of European cathedrals.
Early in the service this past Sunday, the choir sang Tota pulchra es. Though I wasn’t familiar with the piece, the words printed in the bulletin and the heavenly sound stirred something inside. My spirit awoke, and was ready to listen … to receive.
Tota pulchra es maria,
et macula originalis
non est in te.
Vestimentum tuum candidum quasi nix,
et facies tua sicut sol.
Tu gloria Jerusalem, tu laetitia Israel,
tu honorificenti populi nostri.
Thou art fair, O Mary,
and the stain of original sin
is not in thee.
Your vestments are as white as snow,
and your face is like the sun.
Thou art the glory of Jerusalem, the joy of Israel,
and the honor of our people.
My heart softened at the tender words, “your face is like the sun”. On some level, I’m able to connect with Mary.
Images of the Virgin played in my mind. Sparkling, warm, and vivid. I thought of my new online friend, Sue Fox (otherwise known as Foxy Sue), who shares ‘A Virgin a Day’ at Finding My Bliss. Each day I open her post with anticipation … always a special treat to see which Virgin she has chosen to share with us!
This month, Sue created a Gratitude Advent Calendar. Each day she weaves together a beautiful tapestry of words, photographs, and imagination, and we get a peek into the life of her charming community in Derbyshire, UK. I watched the recent snowstorm unfold through her photographs, and delighted as she made the very cheerful best of the situation during the water and power outages. Sue’s photographs of the winter wonderland are spectacular.
I hope you’ll take a moment to visit Foxy Sue’s blog. Here’s the post for December 1. From there you can get to the next day by clicking on newer post. You’ll find a new perspective and much delight in her sharing.
Thank you, Sue, for your friendship, and for sharing your gratitude. You’ve taught me so much. Stay warm, and have a very Merry Christmas!
Hi Jane,
Your article makes me so proud of my Mum, Sue. My Mum has put a lot of energy into slowly building up this online world you all share and I think your tribute to her work will have an amazingly uplifting affect on her motivation to continue to do so.
I dip my toes into this world through my Mum’s blog and her recommendations for sites to check out. My Mum has mentioned your site to me a few times and now I’ve looked properly I can see why she thinks it’s a good one for me. I share the want and need to be on a path to wholeness like you.
So thank you for your site and thank you for your words.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Hi Charlotte,
It’s nice to see you here ~ I’ve enjoyed seeing your pictures, and reading about your time with your mum. 🙂
Writing this post was an absolute pleasure for me, from reading through her posts, to choosing the pictures … your mother inspires me, and I’m so happy to have met her online.
I hope you will find some words of encouragement on teenytinypieces to help you along your path to wholeness.
Take good care, and Merry Christmas ~
Jane
Jane Rochelle recently posted..A Virgin- A Blizzard- and one Foxy Lady!
Hi Jane,
You honour me with your kind words, what can I say?
I feel privileged and overwhelmed!
Thank you,
Sue x
Sue Fox recently posted..Grateful for Winter Solstice
Merry Christmas, Sue … it’s Christmas Eve now, and I’m thinking so tenderly of the many people who have touched me this year.
Thank you for your kind words, your beautiful images, and for extending your hand in friendship … to me, and to the world.
Merry Christmas ~
xo Jane
Jane Rochelle recently posted..A Virgin- A Blizzard- and one Foxy Lady!
Thank you Jane. I’m heading over to Sue’s right now. I love photography. The winter photo is stunning. Thanks for all you shared on my blog. My peeps had as much fun as you did! Happy Holidays.
Tess The Bold Life recently posted..A Gift In Goodbye- A Legacy of Love
Hi Tess, I hope you enjoyed your tour of Sue’s blog. She’s an incredibly warm and caring person … not to mention, a very talented lady!
Have a Merry Christmas, Tess … I know you embrace your many blessings this season ~
Love,
Jane
Jane Rochelle recently posted..A Virgin- A Blizzard- and one Foxy Lady!
Hi Jane,
I’m glad you introduced us to Foxy Sue. I’m really intrigued by her photography. Millions of people, especially women, all around the world truly love the Virgin and pray to her for special help and healing. I think the world is missing the balance of a female “god” to worship. How can you have a trinity that doesn’t include the “mother?” How did we get the son?
Angela Artemis recently posted..Love is The Greatest Gift – A Holiday Message
Hi Angela,
I grew up in a traditional Presbyterian church. We acknowledged the trinity, and Mary was a special girl, robed in blue, bathed in light for one special night.
When my husband and I ventured to Europe, I came to understand the beauty and magnificence of the Virgin. Her strength, both powerful and humble, deeply touches my heart.
Thank you for putting into words that which I have only thought about before.
Merry Christmas, Angela ~ special good care to you ~
With warmest Christmas love,
Jane
Jane Rochelle recently posted..A Virgin- A Blizzard- and one Foxy Lady!
Mary…mother…woman who resides in my soul…love her…keep her close, always.
Susan
Susan recently posted..Reflecting…