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Illustration of Protective Mantle in Speculum humane salvationis
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In Dominican tradition Mary’s protective mantle was connected with belief that the Blessed Mother interceded for sinners by averting the anger of her Son. “Indeed, in one manuscript of the Speculum
humanae salvationis, dated 1400, which contains illustrations produced by a
Dominican in the monastery of St. Blaise in Regensburg, Mary is represented as
the ‘Shutzmantelmadonna’ whose cloak shelters the friars from Christ, who is
aiming an arrow at them.” The caption identifies Mary as mediatrix
between God and humanity.
In a 14th century Icelandic account St. Dominic’s vision
is related by a Franciscan. In this account Jesus Christ is angry with
sinful humanity and preparing arrows with which to strike sinners, but the
Blessed Mother mercifully intercedes reminding her Son that the Dominicans, assisted by the Franciscans, will soon
conquer the world for Him. From their founding Dominicans and Franciscans collaborated in building up the Church through sound teaching. “Dominic, who had not
known Francis previously was able to recognize him in church the day after the
vision, and so he approached him, embraced him and said 'You are my companion
who will accompany me. Let us stand
together and no one will be able to withstand us.'”
