You could say that St. Ildephonsus (what a name!) was the “Louis de Montfort” of Spain. He was the 7th-century champion of the Blessed Mother, working hard to promulgate devotion to her in his Spanish homeland.
He was a busy abbot and didn’t have much time to write, but he did accomplish a work which has inspired devotion in many hearts for centuries: The Little Book of the Crown of the Virgin.
This book is the fruit of Ildephonsus’s deep and earnest meditations on the Blessed Mother. He vividly describes for his readers a radiant crown which graces Mary’s head, fashioned from her perfect virtues and graces.
Botticelli’s Madonna of the Magnificat
In a set of wonderful, eloquent meditations, the saint describes each jewel, star, and blossom in the crown, each of which represents a facet of the Blessed Mother’s sanctity and beauty. His words impress upon the reader how she contains all graces and perfections, reflecting the image of her beloved Son.
May has just begun—what better time of the year is there to meditate on the Blessed Mother than during her month? From the May Crowning to Mother’s Day to the Feast of the Visitation, let St. Ildephonsus’s beautiful meditations guide you into deeper devotion to your heavenly Queen and remind you of her love for YOU.
The first-ever English translation of Crown of the Virgin: An Ancient Meditation on Mary’s Beauty, Virtue, and Sanctity will be your favorite daily companion as you come to know the Blessed Mother better through her virtues, beauty, and goodness. Get your copy today at The Catholic Company!
