Shown is the front of the banner for the Sodality of Our Lady from Sts. Joseph and Paul in Owensboro. COURTESY OF ARCHIVES
Sts. Joseph and Paul’s Sodality of Our Lady banner
BY EDWARD WILSON, ARCHIVES
Not too long ago, a woman called the archives for some information. After we discussed her request, the call became conversational. After a while, she somberly asked something like, “There used to be so many groups dedicated to Mary in the diocese. What happened to them all?” She was right, there were numerous, very active groups dedicated to Our Lady. Most of these types of conversations come back to the same answers; times have changed, and things are different. However, based on the conversations many of us are having and the interest being shown, devotional groups may be making a comeback.
Religious banners used to be a staple for these groups and organizations. They were put up at meetings to instill pride and unity. They were paraded at large gatherings to let others know that the group was represented at the event. Often several groups were present, each marching under their individual banners. We have a collection of these banners in the archives and the one featured this month may be my favorite. It is the banner for the Sodality of Our Lady from Sts. Joseph and Paul in Owensboro.
Focal to the piece is, of course, the Blessed Virgin. In her personification as Our Lady of Grace, Mary takes her place atop the earth, flanked by bellowing clouds. Grace pours from her hands. Her halo, nestled amidst the sky, becomes the sun. Below her delicate majesty is the serpent, crushed by the foot of Our Mother.
The design of the banner is unmistakably Marian. The blue, gold and silver trim, tassels and stitch work exude a heavenly regalia. Her unearthly royal dignity is displayed in perfect harmony with her gentle, motherly femininity. It is a phenomenal homage to the countless graces of Mary.
The banner was originally gifted to the Mount Saint Joseph Museum by Fr. Henry Willett in May 1986, at the time of the Sts. Joseph and Paul remodel. When Sr. Mary Victor took over the museum in 1992, she gave it to Sr. Emma Cecilia at the diocesan archives. Sr. Emma Cecilia noted, “I remember using the banner for Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary meetings and on the Sundays the group met for a monthly Mass.”
The banner is truly striking. Three different diocesan staff members have come into my office to admire it while I have had it out to photograph it for this article. It is a beautiful look at the devotional culture of the past and hopefully the future. Our Lady of Grace, pray for us!
Edward Wilson is the director of the Diocese of Owensboro’s Archives and the Archives of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Comments and questions may be sent to [email protected].
Originally printed in the September 2024 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
