"Mary the Dawn": The Deep Meaning of the Magically Beautiful Hymn

Mariology is not a superflueous Catholic addition to theology, an “add-on” if you’re interested. Rather, Mariology cuts to the heart of the Gospel.

The reason is that Mary’s life is completely caught up in and oriented toward Christ, and as such she played an indispensable role in salvation history. Christian realized this as early as the 2nd century, when the early Church Fathers proclaimed Mary the “New Eve.” While Jesus Christ was the one who accomplished salvation, Mary played an important supportive role, bringing the Messiah into the world.

The song “Mary the Dawn,” written by Fr. Justin Mulcahy, C.P. in the mid-20th century, is a beautiful meditation on this central truth using analogies, many of which come right from the Old Testament. For example, the song says, “Mary the temple, Christ the temple’s Lord.” This is classic Mariology.

And this amazing rendition by the Daughters of St. Paul will take your soul to new heights!

Here’s the song (the lyrics are right below):

Mary the dawn, Christ the Perfect Day;
Mary the gate, Christ the Heavenly Way!
Mary the root, Christ the Mystic Vine;
Mary the grape, Christ the Sacred Wine!
Mary the wheat, Christ the Living Bread;
Mary the rose tree, Christ the Rose blood-red!
Mary the font, Christ the Cleansing Flood;
Mary the cup, Christ the Saving Blood!
Mary the temple, Christ the temple’s Lord;
Mary the shrine, Christ the God adored!
Mary the beacon, Christ the Haven’s Rest;
Mary the mirror, Christ the Vision Blest!
Mary the mother, Christ the mother’s Son
By all things blest while endless ages run. Amen.

Here’s the song (the lyrics are right below):

What do you think of this song? Let us know in the comments!