Công Giáo posted an update in the group
2 days ago
Dio Wheeling-CharlestonAs we continue to honor Mary this month, we share“Our Lady of West Virginia.”
Our Lady is a beauty
Of the West Virginia Hills.
From Spruce Knob’s lofty towering
To where Kenova spills
Out of bounds, and seeks to share
Our wealth with sister-states,
Our Lady smiling sunshine
Forever radiates.The bright blue of her mantle
Is in summer skies at Cheat,
Her golden tresses ripple
In Greenbrier’s autumn wheat.
Romney’s apple-blossoms
Bear the blushing of her face
As she heard the Angel-whisper,
“Hail, Mary, full of grace.”
Our Lady is the music
Of our lovely lakes and streams,
“The beautiful Ohio,”
And the Tygart’s dashing gleams.
Her low-voiced laughter tumbles
In Blackwater’s clear cascade,
And echoes on Kanawha;
“Behold the Lord’s handmaid.”Our Lady is the loveliness
Of all young, growing things.
She is the rapture in our souls,
The gaiety which sings:
“Lady of West Virginia,
Virgin Immaculate,
Reign over every heart and soul
Queen of our Mountain State.”The author is identified as Mark Smith and the writing was “imprimatur” (granted permission of publication of any writing containing something of peculiar significance to religion, theology, or morality) in 1953 by John J. Swint, Bishop of Wheeling, who dearly loved his West Virginia and Our Blessed Mother Mary.
Not much is known about Smith, but it is evident that his soul was indeed grateful for WV and our Blessed Mother.
