Mes de Maria . Day 5

May 5

The Amapola/Gumamela

The Amapola in its beauty and in its variety of colours surpasses even the rose: it has an admirable variety from the purest white up to the brightest crimson. Wild in the fields and cultivated in the gardens, it is for this season one of its beauties. It is odourless though but it does not matter: the perfection is distributed and divided among the different species that adorn our gardens. Gumamela with its variety represents the fourteen works of mercy.

Kindness and the fourteen works of mercy

The works of mercy are fourteen: the seven pertains to the corporal needs and the other seven to the spiritual needs of the neighbours.

The Amapola resemble the rose, and possesses its figure and beauty. We consider it most appropriate to represent the [kindness]. It has no fragrance in itself, but when aromatic herbs are planted around it then you can form a perfect bouquet… plant it in the midst of the fourteen works of beneficence figured in the fragrant herbs and these will supply what is lacking in it and it will supply what is lacking in them. The works of mercy are fourteen: the seven pertains to the corporal needs, and the other seven to the spiritual needs of the neighbours.

Floral offering to Mary

Mary, I commit myself to practice all the works of mercy that I can and are within my capacity for the good of my neighbours. I will strive to be affable, kind, sweet, and meek to all those I become familiar with and I will be their servant. I will not sadden nor disturb nor mortify them directly or indirectly by my words, actions and gestures. Receive Oh Mary my good intentions and grant that they will always have good effects.

Recite five Hail Marys

Invitation: What can you do for the welfare of your neighbour? Among the virtues, which of those you feel you have practiced strongly, and which of those you still need to strengthen?

Text: Mes de Maria - Francisco Palau, OCD - CM Founder