Our Lady of the Atonement
Our Lady of Atonement (Latin: Domina Nostra Adunationis) is a celebrated Roman Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary first invoked by Father (Louis) Paul T. Wattson, S.A. and Ms. Lurana White, a laywoman.
History and devotion
Under this Marian title, the originally Episcopal Society of the Atonement propagates Marian devotion, first celebrated in Graymoor chapel farmhouse, New York in 1909 and was finally approved by the Roman Catholic Church in July 1946.[1]
The feast designated by Father Wattson to this Marian title is recorded on July 9, the date approved by the Holy See for its religious devotion. The title is also very common among Anglicans and Anglo-Catholics who have similar devotion in their liturgical traditions. The religious image draws on the Passion of Jesus Christ, symbolized by the red cloak of the Virgin Mary, and the external angels surrounding the frightened Child Jesus with the instruments of his passion.[2]
Description of the Image
The most common image of Virgin Mary under this title is a Madonna holding in Child Jesus in a cruciform gesture. It is distinct from the title Mary Help of Christians as the virgin under this title has a red cloak but lacks a sceptre, instead having a Child Jesus hold a small crucifix.
The 1935 image of the Our Lady of Atonement features adorning angels, holding the symbols and instruments of the Passion of Jesus Christ, chiefly among them the crown of thorns, nails, flagellum and the scourging pillar, as well as the INRI titulus.
Legacy
There are two orders which emanated from the Marian devotion: the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement and the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. Both of which utilize the spirituality of Father Wattson in their respective religious communities.
An Anglo-Catholic parish named Our Lady of Atonement Catholic Church is located in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio, Philippines is named in honour of this devotion, which was the result of Anglican spirituality that was introduced to the Cordillera region by American Episcopalian missionaries in 1936. The see of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Baguio, the Cathedral survived the Allied carpet bombing of the city towards the end of the Second World War.
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