# Mary — Verses on Various Occasions character guide

> Mary in Verses on Various Occasions by John Henry Newman.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Thou, thy

**First appearance:** 0163-clxi-the-month-of-mary

## Who they are

The mother whose prayers purchased blessings for her sons, whose fire of love outlasted memory itself and passed unbroken into rest.

## In the story

### [Verses on Various Occasions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/verses-on-various-occasions)

The Pilgrim Queen, lamenting loss and embodying sorrow.

### [IX: Consolations in Bereavement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/ix-consolations-in-bereavement)

Addressed as the deceased sister, whose name and image bring comfort and joy.

### [XVII: Epiphany-Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xvii-epiphany-eve)

The poem is a birthday offering to Mary, addressing her as 'dearest, gentlest, purest, best' and reflecting on her mysterious rest and ascension.

### [XIX: Kind Remembrances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xix-kind-remembrances)

The Virgin at whose side the departed woman now serves.

### [Persecution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxv-persecution)

The Holy Mother speaks to her child, explaining the role of the priest and foretelling the child's future.

### [LXXIV: Temptation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxiv-temptation)

Her smile is invoked as a source of renewal and strength.

### [CLIX: Candlemas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clix-candlemas)

Mary's soul is pierced by a sword, and she is invoked as music in our need.

### [CLX: The Pilgrim Queen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clx-the-pilgrim-queen)

The Pilgrim Queen, desolate yet serene, mourning the loss of her heir and the rifling of her garden.

### [CLXI: The Month of Mary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxi-the-month-of-mary)

Invoked as 'Mother maid' and 'Queen of May,' portrayed as eternally throned and unfading, in contrast to the transient beauty of nature.

### [CLXII: The Queen of Seasons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxii-the-queen-of-seasons)

Glorified as the Queen of Seasons, surpassing all months and days in perfection.

### [Valentine to a Little Girl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxiii-valentine-to-a-little-girl)

The 'Mother undefiled' whom the little girl is advised to ask for guidance.

### [Guardian Angel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxvii-guardian-angel)

Mentioned as one whose love, though dearest, has not known the speaker as intimately as the guardian angel.

### [The Dream of Gerontius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxxviii-the-dream-of-gerontius)

Invoked repeatedly by Gerontius for intercession during his dying moments and in his distress.

### [§ 1](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/1)

Prayed to by Gerontius for intercession and mercy at the hour of death.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/characters/mary
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/characters