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Mater Admirabilis Through the Ages

Mater in the House of Saint John by Pauline Perdrau, RSCJ

Most members of the Sacred Heart community know the beloved story of Mater Admirabilis. But what you might not know is that the Mater we revere is only the first Mater that Pauline Perdrau, RSCJ painted at the age of 19. Over the course of her life, she would paint eight more. The last one, completed 40 years later when Pauline was 60 years old, reveals something deeply beautiful: as Pauline aged, so did Mary.

According to Sr. Margaret Phelan, RSCJ General Archives Director, while the depiction of Mary's tilted head and weaving remained consistent, noticeable changes appeared in the details, such as the colors of the sky, vase, and eventually her clothing.

As Father Vallee mentioned during his homily at Sunday's Community Mass, in our youth-obsessed culture, Pauline's later depiction of Mary embodies a truth we often forge - there is a particular beauty and grace for every age. "Sure, smooth skin and youthful features are lovely, but so are the wisdom etched into wrinkles and the character marked by age spots. As we grow older, we should embrace the deeper beauty that comes with age. Whether you are 7 or 97, the true source of beauty lies in self-acceptance," Father Vallee says.

In the Mater painting, you may notice that Mary holds a spindle with a distaff full of yarn beside her, but she has not yet begun to weave anything. In the last Mater, painted when Pauline was 60, we see Mary holding a completed garment, just about to cut the final thread. She is as full of grace at the end as she was at the beginning. 

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

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