We are all broken in some way…it is part and parcel to the human nature that we have inherited from our first parents, Adam and Eve.
However, there is one exception to the reality of broken humanity: The Blessed Virgin Mary.
Conceived without the stain of Original Sin, the Blessed Virgin Mary is rightly addressed as the Immaculate Conception.
On October 7th, 2021, the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius welcomed Kevin Matthews, a former Chicago radio personality…and Our Lady of the Broken to St. Katharine Drexel parish in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, a diocese under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception.
Kevin Matthews gave an inspiring talk about how he was led to “Broken Mary,” and the unexpected impact that she would have on his life.
Some may question the appropriateness of referring to Our Lady as Broken Mary…after all, she was immaculately conceived, and free from all stain of sin throughout her earthly life. To suggest that she was broken in any way runs contrary to Marian dogma.
That Our Blessed Mother would come to us, however, in a way that reflects who and what we are is not unprecedented.
Consider how Our Lady appeared in each of her apparitions. For example, when Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico, she appeared as a beautiful Mexican maiden. Our Lady adjusted her appearance, it seems, in order to best touch the heart of the person or people to whom she was appearing to.
In the same way, just as we are broken, Our Lady has come to the people of Springfield, IL…broken…to express her nearness to us. This nearness gives us hope. Through Our Lady of the Broken we recognize that we are never abandoned or forgotten by God, or His mother (and our mother).
Our Lady of the Broken, pray for us!