English  
Mary, Mother and Model of the Church

 

Sublime and enraptured - perhaps these words may outline the unmistakable way the Madonna of Werl looks at us.
One has to go far back zu the centuries of early Christendom in order to discover examples of similar depth and expressivity in eastern art. Indeed, the sculpture has covered a long distance: there are many indications that it was created on the Swedish Isle of Gotland in 1170. Having been transferred to Fröndenberg in Sauerland about the year 1200, it shortly afterwards changed to Soest, where a marvellous church called " St. Maria zur Wiese " had been built specially for it. There ist was worshipped by the population for more than 200 years until the Reformation brought about that it had to be removed and banished to the loft. When the Capuchins of Werl were charged with taking care of it in 1661, the old veneration revived at once. Soon, the first pilgrimages started and all the afflicted people who found consolation near the madonna contributed to the spread of her fame.

Although far-reaching political, social, religious und ideological upheavals shook the country during the following 330 years, none of them has been able to impair the worship. On the contrary, the Franciscans, who have been looking after the madonna since 1849, daily experience that the veneration has even been intensified and extended since then.
 

What ist striking about this sculpture is how much Mary is keeping in the background in order to put her child into the foreground with a kind of presenting gesture: "Do what He tells you!"
(St. John 2). The boy is enthroned on her knees like one who has "all the power on Earth and in Heaven" (St. Matthew 28). His right hand is raised for benediction or instruction, whereas bis left hand is lying on the book whose seal non other may open than he (Apocalypse 5). His crown and his bare feet showthat he is a king in humility. His crossed legs point out that he ist a judge who is ready to show mercy instead of severity. Meanwhile, the madonna's sublime and enraptured look is wandering far away, over countless crowds of people to whom she, mother and model of the Church, is presenting her son Jesus Christ.

 

Prayer to the Mother of God

Hail Mary, our lady, holy queen, blessed mother of God. You are a virgin, a model of the Church, chosen by God in heaven. He has hallowed you by bis beloved son and the Holy Ghost, who gives consolation. Abundant mercy was and remains with you.

Hail Mary, you are His palace.
Hail Mary, you are His tent.
Hail Mary, you are His dwelling.
Hail Mary, you are His garinent.
Hail Mary, you are His maid.
Hail Mary, you are His mother.
(St. Francis)

 

Period of pilgrimage: Ist May - Ist November
Pilgrimage every Sunday and holiday ( except Ascension Day, Whitsun, and Corpus
Christi ), every Wednesday ; besides, on the occasion of the feasts ofthe Virgin Mary
(2nd Juliy, 15th August, 8th September, 12th September, 7th October).

Services
On Sundays and holidays:
  7.30 a.m. Mass with sermon
  8.30 a.m. Mass with sermon
10.00 a.m. High Mass for pilgrims, sermon, afterwards Way of th Cross
  2.00 p.m. Rosary
  3.00 p.m. short service with sermon, benediction ofthe devotional objects

On weekdays:
  6.55 a.m. Laudes
  7.15 a.m. Mass
  8.30 a.m. Mass

On Wednesdays and on the occasion ofthefeast mentioned.
Services like on weekdays, in addition
10.00 a.m. High Mass for pilgrims, sennon, afterwards Way ofthe Cross
  2.00 p.m. Rosary
  3.00 p.m. short service with sermon, benediction of the devotional objects.

Plenary indulgence can be gained by all pilgrims.

Conditions: receipt of sacraments (Confession and Holy Communion), prayer according
to the Holy Father's intention: Creed, Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary.

Madonna of Werl, 12th century,
Foto:  Pater Werner Mertens, OFM,
           Delta-Ker EDV,
           59457 Werl, Hellweg 40,