Written by Benoît Santos - Updated on Oct 27, 2024
Did you know that the figure of " Mary Undoer of Knots " was a very special Marian devotion in Argentina and Brazil? But also for the Catholic Church in general?
The devotion “Mary Undoer of Knots” has a deep and very specific meaning. Just like the prayers that accompany this act of faith.
In this article, we will see:
- The origins of the devotion “Mary who unties knots”
- Meaning of “Mary Undoer of Knots”
- A particularly striking devotion
- Prayer “Mary who unties knots”
If you would like to discover other articles of prayers to the Virgin Mary , we invite you to follow one of the links in blue just below:
- Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Prayer to Our Lady of Fatima
- Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
- Prayer: Hail Mary
- Prayer to the Immaculate Conception
- Other prayers to Mary
You can also consult the site's Christian library with several works on the Virgin Mary and much more:
Without further ado, let's try to find out more about the devotion "Mary who unties knots".
The origins of the devotion “Mary who unties knots”
"Mary Untying the Knots" is the title of a painting depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary untying the knots on a tangled ribbon. The painting was painted by Johann Georg Melchior Schmidtner in 1700. The artist created the work at the request of the priest of St. Peter am Perlach, Hieronymus Ambrosius Langenmantel. The grandfather of this religious man (Wolfgang Langenmantel) is said to have considered leaving his wife (Sophia Rentz). He then asked Father Jakob Rem for help. The latter addressed the following prayer to the Virgin Mary: "by this religious act, I lift up the bond of marriage, undo all the knots and smooth it". Immediately afterwards, the two spouses are said to have made peace. It is in homage to this miraculous event that the painting "Mary Untying the Knots" is said to have been commissioned.
Meaning of “Mary Undoer of Knots”
In the painting, the Blessed Virgin is depicted standing on a crescent moon. Above her head, we can see the Holy Spirit (represented by a dove) covering her with all his light . The Blessed Virgin is surrounded by angels, and at her feet crawls the serpent with all its malice. To her right, we can see an angel holding out a tangled ribbon to her. Mary passes it between her fingers, and untangles each knot until it is smooth.
The painting "Mary Undoing the Knots" can be interpreted in various ways. But the most unanimous interpretation is that of Pope Francis . By disobeying God, Eve would have created knots that would strangle humanity. By being obedient, Mary would have undone these knots. Eve was incredulous, but Mary had faith.
A particularly striking devotion
In Brazil and Argentina, there are churches that are entirely dedicated to "Mary the Undoer of Knots." This devotion is so widespread in both countries that it has even become known as a religious craze.
This craze was introduced to Brazil by Pope Francis, who was then called Father Jorge Mario Bergoglio. While studying in Germany, the Holy Father was able to contemplate an image of Mary untying knots in a church. He decided to bring back postcards to Buenos Aires and slip them into the letters he wrote. Cardinal Bergoglio had a figure of Mary untying knots installed in the prestigious El Salvador University (a Jesuit institution) in Buenos Aires. The devotion was later carried by the University of San José and the University of San Juan Bautista.
Furthermore, Cardinal Bergoglio also brought back images of Mary Untying the Knots to Argentina. An artist named Ana Berti took the opportunity to make a reproduction of the painting. This reproduction was exhibited in the rectorate of the chapel of the University of El Salvador. Ana Berti then made a second reproduction, larger than the previous one, which was to be exhibited in the church of San Jose del Talar (Buenos Aire). Every month, thousands of faithful make their pilgrimage to this church. Sanctuaries have even been built for all believers who wish to make their devotion there.
Prayer “Mary who unties knots”
Prayer of Father Celeiro
“Holy Mary, Virgin filled with the presence of God , throughout your life you accepted with total humility the will of the Father and the evil one was never able to catch you in his traps. You never cease to intercede for us with your Son to resolve our difficulties. With great gentleness and great patience, you show me how to untangle the bundle of knots that stifle my life. O you, my Mother forever, by eliminating all disorder, you bring to light the bonds that unite me to the Lord. Holy Mary, mother of God and my mother, with a maternal heart you undo the knots that hinder my life; I ask you to receive in your hands this knot that I present to you; I ask you to free me from the traps and chains in which my enemy, Satan, holds me. By your grace, by your intercession , by your example, deliver me from all evil, O Mary, and undo this knot that prevents me from uniting myself with God. So, freed from all confusion and error, I will praise him in all things, I will keep him in my heart and will be able to serve him, always, in the person of my brothers. Amen."
First prayer of the novena
“ Beloved Holy Mother , Most Holy Mary, You who untie the “knots” that suffocate your children, extend your merciful hands to me. I give you today this “knot”… (name it), and all the negative consequences that it brings into my life. I give you this “knot” that torments me, makes me unhappy and prevents me so much from uniting myself with You and Your Son Jesus, my Savior. I have recourse to you, “Mary who unties knots” because I trust in you and I know that you have never disdained a sinful child who begs you for help. I believe that you can untie this “knot” because Jesus gives you all power. I trust that you will agree to untie this knot, because you are my Mother. I know that you will do it because you love me with the very love of God . Thank you my beloved Mother.”
Last prayer of the novena
“Mother Most Holy, our Advocate, You who undo the “knots”, I come today to thank you for being willing to undo this “knot”......................., in my life. You know the pain it causes me. Thank you, O my Mother, for drying in your mercy, the tears from my eyes. Thank you for welcoming me into your arms and allowing me to receive another grace from God . “Mary who undoes the knots”, O my beloved Mother, I thank you for undoing the “knots” of my life. Wrap me in your mantle of love, keep me under your protection, illuminate me with your peace.”
Now you know everything about the devotion “Mary who unties knots” and the prayers you can address to the Holy Virgin for this occasion.
If you are interested in Marian devotions, you can find other articles on this subject on our site.
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