The Feast of All Saints 2014 - The Virgin Mary, Model of All Holy Women

From the Breviary according to the use of the Roman Curia, 1529, the continuation of the sermon for the fifth day in the Octave of All Saints: Since we wish to go through the various ranks of the Saints, it remains for us to venerate with singular devotion Mary, the Mother of God, who is adorned with chastity above all others, and after Her, the rosy band of the holy virgins, and other devout groups of women. Of these, some sought to preserve their virginity intact within the bonds of marriage, though this was known only to God and to their own guardian Angels. Others withdrew from the din of the world, and being closed in their monasteries, though still virgins, begot many sons and daughters by their holy examples, much as if they had been married according to the flesh, and begot a long line of descent.The Virgin Enthroned with the Child Jesus, and Saints Paul, Peter, Clare, Mary Magdalene, Barbara, Catherine of Alexandria, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, Agnes, Cecilia, Margaret of Antioch, and George. Attributed to the Master of Saint Veronica, (German, active ca. 1395 - 1425.) ca. 1400-1410