The devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots is a powerful expression of faith and trust in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Originating from a centuries-old painting, this devotion has inspired countless Catholics to turn to Mary in times of difficulty. Often seen as a symbol of hope, the "knots" Mary untangles represent the struggles, sins, and obstacles that bind us, keeping us from living in peace and communion with God.
September, a month traditionally associated with Marian devotion, offers an ideal time to focus on this particular devotion. The Feast of the Nativity of Mary (September 8) and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15) create a spiritual atmosphere for Catholics to renew their prayers to the Virgin Mary. One particular practice that has gained popularity during this time is the Novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots.
The History of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots
The title Our Lady, Undoer of Knots comes from an 18th-century Baroque painting by Johann Georg Melchior Schmidtner in Augsburg, Germany. The painting depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary surrounded by angels, untying knots from a long ribbon. Below, a man is guided by an angel toward a place of hope and light. Above, the Holy Spirit is symbolized by a dove descending upon the scene.
The imagery of Mary untying knots dates back to the early Church Fathers. St. Irenaeus of Lyon, in his work Against Heresies, compared Mary to Eve, stating that "the knot of Eve's disobedience was untied by Mary’s obedience." This metaphor illustrates Mary's role in salvation history, where her obedience to God's will undoes the consequences of Eve's original sin.
The devotion remained relatively obscure until it was revived by Pope Francis in the late 20th century. While studying in Germany, then-Father Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) encountered the painting and was deeply moved by its message. Upon his return to Argentina, he began promoting the devotion, helping it spread throughout Latin America and eventually across the globe.
The Symbolism of Knots
Knots, in the context of this devotion, symbolise the problems, struggles, and sins that entangle us in life. These knots can represent anything from broken relationships to personal struggles such as addiction, anger, or spiritual crises. They are the obstacles that keep us from fully surrendering to God's will and living in His grace.
Mary, through her intercession, works to "untangle" these knots, bringing clarity, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. The devotion encourages the faithful to entrust their problems to her, trusting that she will present them to her Son, Jesus Christ, who can provide healing and resolution.
The Role of Pope Francis in Popularising the Devotion
Pope Francis' connection to the devotion of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots has been a major factor in its global spread. In the 1980s, while studying in Germany, he discovered the painting and was struck by its message of hope and healing. Upon returning to Argentina, he had prayer cards made with the image and began to share the devotion with others.
Over time, the devotion spread throughout Argentina, particularly among the poor and those struggling with personal hardships. As Pope Francis' popularity grew following his election to the papacy in 2013, so did awareness of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots. Today, the devotion is known and practiced by Catholics around the world, especially those seeking comfort in times of distress.
The Novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots
One of the most popular ways to engage with this devotion is through the Novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots. A novena is a prayer repeated over nine consecutive days for a specific intention. This particular novena is designed to invoke Mary's help in untying the knots in our lives, whether they are spiritual, emotional, or physical.
Here is a step-by-step guide to praying the novena:
Make the Sign of the Cross and quiet your mind, focusing on the presence of God.
Say the Act of Contrition, asking God for forgiveness for your sins and shortcomings, especially those that may have contributed to the knots in your life.
Pray the first three decades of the Rosary, meditating on the specific mysteries as you offer your intention to Mary.
Recite the Novena Prayer: "Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exists in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exist in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of His children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. Take it into your hands, dear Mother, and undo this knot [mention your intention]."
Finish with the final two decades of the Rosary and a prayer of thanksgiving for Mary's intercession.
This novena can be prayed any time of the year but holds special significance during the month of September. The Feast of the Nativity of Mary and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows offer a natural opportunity to reflect on Mary's role in untying the knots of suffering and sin, and to deepen one’s connection to her through this powerful prayer.
September: A Special Time for Marian Devotion
September is traditionally a month dedicated to Mary, with two significant feast days highlighting her maternal role. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8 celebrates her birth and the beginning of her life’s mission to bring forth the Saviour. This feast is a time of renewal, as the Church reflects on the purity and obedience of Mary, making it an ideal time to begin or continue praying the Novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots.
Just a week later, on September 15, the Church celebrates The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, focusing on Mary’s sufferings as she stood by her Son during His Passion. This feast reminds us of Mary’s intimate understanding of human suffering, making her an ideal intercessor for those dealing with the knots of pain, grief, and sin in their lives.
How Marian Apparitions Support the Devotion
Marian apparitions, such as those at Fatima, Lourdes, and Guadalupe, often emphasise the Rosary and other forms of devotion to Mary. At Fatima, for instance, Mary asked the children to pray the Rosary daily for peace and the conversion of sinners. The Rosary itself is a powerful tool for contemplating the life of Christ, and when combined with the devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, it becomes a profound method of spiritual healing.
References:
Pope Francis and the Devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, Catholic News Agency.
Novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, The Catholic Company.
Marian Apparitions and the Rosary, EWTN.
St. Irenaeus of Lyon, Against Heresies.
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, Vatican News.
The Symbolism of Knots in Catholic Tradition, National Catholic Register.
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