* February 22 – Blessed Isabella of France (d. 1270), foundress of a convent dedicated to the Humility of Our Lady  * Why Mary deserves to be exalted above all creatures --- An initiative of the Mary of Nazareth Association February 22 – Blessed Isabella of France (d. 1270), foundress of a convent dedicated to the Humility of Our Lady  Why Mary deserves to be exalted above all creatures Madonna of humility by Domenico di Bartolo, 1433. (Wikipedia) "Humility," says Saint Bernard, "is the foundation and guardian of virtues;" and with reason, for without it no other virtue can exist in a soul. Should she possess all virtues, all will depart when humility is gone. But, on the other hand, as Saint Francis de Sales wrote to Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, "God so loves humility, that whenever He sees it, He is immediately drawn thither." This beautiful and so necessary virtue was unknown in the world; but the Son of God Himself came on earth to teach it by His Own example, and willed that in that virtue in particular we should endeavor to imitate Him: “Learn of Me, because I am meek and humble of heart.” (Mt 11:29) Mary, being the first and most perfect disciple of Jesus Christ in the practice of all virtues, was the first also in that of humility, and by it merited to be exalted above all creatures. It was revealed to Saint Matilda that the first virtue in which the Blessed Mother particularly exercised herself, from her very childhood, was that of humility.  From: THE GLORIES OF MARY, by Saint Alphonsus Liguori www.catholictradition.org www.mariedenazareth.com Let’s pray together  Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.