Our Lady Queen of Ireland

"Our Lady, Queen of Ireland"
March 15th 2009
Pencil, India ink and Watercolors

Honestly, I've had this picture in my "To-Draw" Queue for a very long time. I started the sketch the day before school started way back in late summer. I got it finished just in time for saint Patick's Day though! But I wasn't able to post it since I've given up dA for Lent and in my diocese Saint Patrick's Day is not an official feast day. But St. Joseph's is! So that's why I'm posting it now.

I'm sure Our Lady has a very special place for Ireland in her heart, I'm sure she loves the Irish very much. (I mean, who can't? ) In fact, in 1879 she appeared in the Irish town of Knock, also known as "Cnoc Mhuire" or "Hill of the Virgin Mary." A basillica was erected and named "Our Lady, Queen of Ireland" in her honor. She is also known as Our Lady of Silence.

This is a statue of Our Lady of Knock: [link]

Here is a prayer to Our Lady of Knock:

Great Mary,
Greatest of Marys,
Greatest of Women,
Mother of Eternal Glory,
Mother of the Golden Light,
Honor of the Sky,
Temple of the Divinity,
Fountain of the Gardens,
Serene as the Moon,
Bright as the Sun,
Garden Enclosed,
Temple of the Living God,
Light of Nazareth,
Beauty of the World,
Queen of Life,
Ladder of Heaven,
Mother of God.
Pray for us.

Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to our people in a time of distress and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise: "Ask and you shall receive, Seek and you shall find". Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick or lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the holy Mass. Pray for me now, and at the hour of my death.
Amen.

Holy Mary, if thou wilt,
hear Thy supplicant;
I put myself under the
shelter of Thy shield.
When falling on
the slippery path
Thou art my smooth
supporting hand staff.
There is no hound in fleetness or in chase,
north wind or rapid river;
as quick as the Mother of Christ
to the bed of death,
to those who are entitled
to her kindly protection.
Amen.