Miracle of the Roses

Miracle of the Roses By Eric Buechel

Miracle of The Roses

By Eric Buechel

Oil on Canvas

40" x 40"

2023

In The Collection of Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church

Crossville, Tennessee

The symbolism of the rose has its roots in Greco-Roman traditions, influenced by Latin biblical and liturgical writings that have shaped its significance throughout history. In the rich tapestry of Greco-Roman culture, the rose emerged as a multifaceted symbol, embodying not only beauty and love but also the transient nature of existence. The delicate petals of the rose, often associated with spring, evoke a sense of renewal and the cyclical patterns of life, reminding us of the vibrancy that comes with new beginnings. This connection to love is particularly poignant, as roses have been exchanged as tokens of affection for centuries, often given to express deep emotions ranging from romantic love to friendship and admiration. Moreover, the rose carries a deeper philosophical meaning, representing the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. In this context, the rose serves as a reminder that beauty is often temporary, and that life, much like the bloom of a rose, is ephemeral.

The Romans celebrated this duality during the "Rosalia" festival, an annual event dedicated to honoring the deceased. During this festival, roses were placed on graves and used in rituals, thereby intertwining the flower with themes of remembrance and the afterlife. This practice not only highlighted the rose's beauty but also its role as a symbol of hope and continuity beyond death, suggesting that love and memory endure even when life itself fades away. The cultural significance of the rose has evolved over time, yet its fundamental associations with love, beauty, and mortality remain deeply rooted in the traditions established by the ancients. From literature and art to modern celebrations, the rose continues to be a powerful emblem, encapsulating the complexities of human emotion and the universal experiences of love and loss. Thus, the rose stands not merely as a beautiful flower, but as a profound symbol that resonates through the ages, reflecting the intricate relationship between life, death, and the enduring power of love.

This symbolism became more intricate when compared with the rose's thorns, which represent the duality of beauty and suffering, purity and pain. The rose, often seen as a symbol of love and divine beauty, is juxtaposed against its thorns, which serve as a reminder of the trials and tribulations that accompany such beauty. This contrast inspired the Christian Latin poet Coelius Sedulius to create a detailed and profound comparison between Eve and Mary, two pivotal figures in Christian theology, during the period between 430 and 450 AD. In his work, Sedulius elaborated on the parallel initially observed by Justin Martyr around 150 AD, who first noted the theological implications of these two women in the context of salvation history. Sedulius took this initial observation and transformed it into a deep poetic and doctrinal liturgical teaching in his Easter hymn, Carmen paschal. This hymn not only reflects on the themes of resurrection and redemption but also intricately weaves the narrative of Eve, who is often associated with the fall of humanity, and Mary, who is celebrated for her role in the Incarnation and the birth of Christ. In doing so, Sedulius highlights the redemptive arc of history, where the thorns of sin introduced by Eve are countered by the grace and purity embodied by Mary. His work serves as a bridge between the early theological reflections of the Church and the rich liturgical traditions that would follow, emphasizing the transformative power of grace that can turn suffering into hope and despair into joy. The interplay of these symbols continues to resonate in Christian thought, illustrating the complexity of human experience and divine intervention.

The rose is a significant emblem for Mary in Catholic Marian devotion, known as Rosa Mystica (or Mystical Rose). This title highlights the beauty, purity, and grace associated with the Virgin Mary, emphasizing her role as the Mother of God. In Marian devotion, invoking Mary's intercession often involves using a litany of titles, with 'Mystical Rose' being particularly significant. This title is included in the Litany of Loreto, a traditional prayer honoring Mary's various titles, underscoring her spiritual importance.

The title 'Mystical Rose' is also a Catholic title of Our Lady, embraced due to its connection to Marian apparitions reported between 1947 and 1966 by visionary Pierina Gilli in Montichiari and Fontanelle, Italy. These apparitions conveyed messages of hope, healing, and prayer, reinforcing Mary's significance as a source of comfort and guidance. 'Mystical Rose' symbolizes Mary's intercession, her role as a mediator, and invites the faithful to seek her care in times of need.

This designation highlights the deep spiritual and symbolic connection that the rose has with the Virgin Mary, representing her purity, beauty, and divine grace. The title "Rosa Mystica" evokes the image of Mary as a flower blossoming in the garden of faith, embodying the virtues of love and compassion that are central to her role in Christianity. The rose, with its delicate petals and enchanting fragrance, serves as a metaphor for Mary's maternal qualities and her unique relationship with God, making it a powerful symbol within Marian devotion.

In the Middle Ages, the rose was also linked to other revered women who exemplified holiness and virtue, such as Elizabeth of Hungary, who is celebrated for her dedication to the poor and her charitable works, and Elizabeth of Portugal, known for her piety and commitment to peace. Additionally, Casilda of Toledo, a lesser-known yet significant figure, is honored for her acts of kindness and devotion to her faith. These women, like Mary, are often depicted with roses, further solidifying the flower's association with sanctity and the feminine divine. The rose thus became a universal symbol not only of Mary but also of various female saints and martyrs, who, through their lives and sacrifices, contributed to the rich tapestry of Christian history.

Moreover, the rose symbolized Jesus, as reflected in the German Christmas carol, "Es ist ein 'Rose' entsprungen," which translates to "A rose has sprung up." This carol celebrates the miraculous birth of Jesus and draws a parallel between Mary and the rose, suggesting that just as the rose blooms beautifully, so too did Mary bring forth the Savior into the world. The imagery of the rose in this context serves to highlight the miraculous nature of Jesus' incarnation, reinforcing the idea that from Mary, the Mystic Rose, came forth the ultimate gift of salvation. Thus, the rose transcends its botanical identity, becoming a profound symbol of faith, love, and the divine connection between humanity and the sacred. Through its association with both Mary and Christ, the rose continues to inspire devotion and reverence in the hearts of believers, embodying the essence of spiritual beauty and the promise of new life.

During the Middle Ages, roses were cultivated in monastery gardens for their medicinal properties and became emblematic in religious texts and imagery, eliciting a range of intellectual and emotional reactions. The mystical rose is featured in Dante's Divine Comedy as a symbol of God's love. By the twelfth century, the red rose came to represent Christ's passion and the blood of martyrs.

The rose is most commonly linked to the Virgin Mary, serving as a profound symbol within Christian tradition and theology. This connection is deeply rooted in the writings of early Church Fathers and has evolved through centuries of religious art and devotion. One of the most influential figures in this regard was Saint Ambrose, a prominent theologian of the third century. He posited that roses once flourished in the Garden of Eden in a state of perfect beauty, devoid of any thorns. However, following the fall of Adam and Eve and the introduction of Original Sin into the world, the roses became thorny, thus symbolizing the pain and suffering that sin brought into human existence. This transformation serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's fall from grace.

As a direct contrast to this symbolism of sin and suffering, the Blessed Virgin Mary is often referred to as the 'rose without thorns.' This title underscores her immaculate conception, highlighting her status as free from sin and thus embodying purity and grace. The imagery of the rose as a symbol of Mary extends further with the insights of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a twelfth-century monk and theologian. He poetically likened Mary's virginity to a pure white rose, representing her innocence and divine purity, while her profound charity and love for humanity were symbolized by a red rose, representing the blood of Christ and the sacrificial love she embodied.

With the rise of Marian devotion during the twelfth century, particularly in the context of the Gothic architectural movement, the symbolism of the rose took on even greater significance in religious life. Gothic cathedrals, with their soaring spires and intricate designs, frequently incorporated rose windows—large, circular stained glass windows that often depicted scenes from the life of Christ or the Virgin Mary. These rose windows were strategically placed at the transept's end or above the main entrance, serving not only as a stunning visual centerpiece but also as a theological statement about Mary's role in salvation history and her connection to the divine light of Christ.

Further enriching this tradition, Saint Dominic of the thirteenth century is credited with the creation of the Rosary, a structured series of prayers that focus on the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. This practice of prayer is symbolically represented by garlands of roses that are said to adorn the Virgin in Heaven, emphasizing the beauty and purity of her intercession on behalf of humanity. The Rosary has since become a central element of Marian devotion, inviting the faithful to meditate on the mysteries of faith while honoring Mary as the spiritual mother of all believers. Through these various symbols and practices, the rose continues to serve as a powerful emblem of Mary's virtues, her role in the divine plan, and the hope of redemption for all humankind. EB

Mary with the Infant Jesus

By Eric Buechel

In the tranquility of the quiet night, under the vast sky filled with stars that shimmer and twinkle with an ethereal glow,

Mary holds her child, a truly marvelous sight that embodies the essence of love and tenderness. The moon casts a silvery light, illuminating their serene faces, highlighting the profound connection between mother and child.

With gentle, nurturing hands, she lovingly rocks him close, creating a soothing rhythm that echoes the heartbeat of the universe itself. Each sway is a promise, a silent vow to protect and cherish him always. The air is filled with a tranquil stillness, broken only by the soft sounds of the night, as if the world itself holds its breath in reverence to this precious moment.

Whispers of love escape her lips, soft as a tear that glistens in the moonlight, carrying with them hopes and dreams for the future. These tender murmurs are filled with warmth and affection, enveloping the child like a comforting blanket, instilling a sense of safety and peace. In this magical moment, time seems to stand still, allowing Mary and her child to exist in a world of their own, where nothing else matters but the bond they share.

Eric Buechel Fine Art

P.O. Box 277

Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578

931-881-7806

email