The Writings of Charles De Koninck: Volume 2

Preface

Preface How may we truly apply to the Blessed Mary all that is said of Wisdom in the Sapiential Books? In answering this question we are attempting no innovation as will be evident from the constant use made of the Doctors of the Church. Rather, in composing this study, whose main purpose is to assemble a certain amount of pertinent quotations relating to the Mother of God as Wisdom, we have been prompted by the miseries of our times which indicate more than ever our need to keep our eyes steadily fixed upon one of the most outstanding manifestations of the Wisdom and Mercy of God. Those texts which in their mystical sense the liturgy applies to the Mother of God will be utilized merely to illustrate conclusions deduced from the literal sense of other passages of Scripture. Such an illustration, nevertheless , supported as it is by the liturgy, has a truly illuminating quality.1 How to express my acknowledgment to all my friends who, without always realizing it, collaborated in this collection? It was Jacques de Monleon who first helped me understand the role of mercy; it was an American Jew who told me of the writings of the Blessed de Montfort; I do not forget the part played by Father Maurice Dionne nor that of Father Alphonse-Marie Parent who undertook the thankless task of correcting my manuscript and the proofs; I think too of all those I cannot name. If this little work has any value, it is uniquely due to a merciful Providence which arranged the fortuitous encounters and confided this work to the most unworthy of the servants of His Mother.  DeKoninck-01 5/13/09 3:46 PM Page 4 ...