Crown of the Virgin

In this book, St. Ildephonsus of Toledo provides a powerful, imaginative, and lyrical set of meditations on the Immaculate Mother of God, reflecting on her splendor, beauty, and sanctity.

This publication is the first translation into English of a Latin work, entitled Libellus de Corona Virginis, or "The Little Book on the Crown of the Virgin." Traditionally, it has been ascribed to St. Ildephonsus of Toledo, a great monk, abbot, and bishop of the 7th century. St. Ildephonsus contributed powerfully to the dissemination of the doctrine of the Perpetual Virginity of Our Lady in Western Europe, and to the popularization of fervent Marian devotion in Spain. In this beautiful, moving and ornate literary portrait, the author imaginatively and lyrically fashions a magnificent crown for the Blessed Virgin Mary, decorated with twelve radiant jewels, six brilliant stars, and six fragrant flower blossoms. Each of these is interpreted as representing a particular aspect of the...