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| Christus und Maria mit Schutzmantel, St. Prokulus, Naturns |
Both the legend and the image of Mary's protective mantle grew in popularity in
the time of the Black Plague, but the image also drew criticism, particularly
in Germany. Martin Luther preached a sermon in which he turned the legend around. He said that when a Franciscan went to heaven he was dismayed to find none of
his brothers under Mary’s mantle. He asked the Blessed Mother what the meaning of this was. She
replied, “Deine Bruder sind in
vollkomenern Stande, dan die andern, drumb gehoren sie nicht unter diesen
mantel.” (Thy brethren are in a more perfect state
than the others, therefore they do not belong under this mantle.) Luther’s concern was that devotion to Mary
and appeal to her mercy might be detracting from worship of Jesus Christ
as the true Redeemer, and belief in Our Father in heaven as merciful.
