This is the original 5x7in painting "Rosemary, Flower of Mary," done in watercolor by Katrina Rose Harrington in May of 2024 when she did a flower study as she read through Fr. L. Gemminger's book, "Flowers of Mary," and painted one flower a day.
Excerpts from “Flowers of Mary.” by Fr. L. Gemminger
- “who does not know the lovely rosemary with its many succulent little leaves of dark green hue, its blue blossoms, its penetrating scent and bitter taste? In many places it adorns the newly ordained priest at his first holy Mass, as well as the bride on her wedding-day. With it the deceased youth and maiden are decked for burial as their last ornament. In the language of flowers, Rosemary signifies penitence or mortification, that virtue which our Divine Savior recommends with the words: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
- “As the rosemary has on its stems many little leaves, so has the virtue of mortification many different ways of being practiced. In the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we find so many instances of self-denial, that in this regard we can also compare her most holy heart to Rosemary.”
- “Rosemary has a bitter taste , but possesses healthful properties; wherefore, it is also used as medicine. How richly rewarded in Heaven is the motherly heart of Mary, which tasted, while here upon earth, so frequently the bitterness of penance and mortification! Therefore, her example should incite us to practice this virtue most assiduously and cultivate the Rosemary of mortification in the garden of our hearts. Certainly, mortification or self-denial is hard to human nature and its taste bitter like the Rosemary; but like it, also attended with most blessed results. By penance we blot out our sins, and thus prepare ourselves a glory in Heaven, which will be equal in grandeur and delight to the reward of holy innocence.
Rosemary tells us we should try,
Our sinful flesh to mortify!
Through penance we draw near to God.
And He averts the chastening rod.
O Mary, maid of virtue rare
Soon may my soul thy virtue share!
Yes, heedless of the sacrifice
Which must be made to conquer vice
By thy example may I strive
At solid virtue to arrive,
Till freed from sin, I once arise
To sing thy praise in Paradise."
Original paintings are signed and then sealed with a UV archival finish to protect it and prevent any fading or damage from UV light. Originals are sold unframed to allow the patron to choose matting and framing to their taste.
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Your painting is packaged in a sturdy cardboard mailer or tube to ensure it is delivered safely to your door. Frames and props are not included in your purchase.
This paper and canvas matches Rose Harrington's commitment to deliver the best possible product.
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