www.zenit.org/article-11698ZE04120222 - 2004-12-02
Virgin Land

As we open the first windows of our Advent calendars, the city is preparing for the first great festivity of this joyous season -- the 150th anniversary of the declaration of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The city will deck the statue of the Blessed Virgin in Piazza di Spagna with flowers and the Pope will celebrate the event with a special Mass in St. Peter's.

But throughout the European Union, the Immaculate Conception is commemorated every day. As banknotes change hands, traffic buzzes about the streets and flags fly overhead, everywhere Europe looks, it sees a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background.

This symbol is defined today as 12 stars representing "completeness" by the leaflet distributed at the EU headquarters in Belgium while the EU Web site points out that the 12 stars are a "symbolic number representing perfection." While no explanation of the stars is offered, it is noted that 12 is the number of hours on a clock, the months in a year, signs in the zodiac, tables in Roman law and gods in Olympus.

It is also the number of the tribes of Israel and Jesus' apostles. It also divisible by three and four, the numbers of the theological and cardinal virtues. More importantly, 12 gold stars circle the head of the Blessed Virgin Mary in images of the Immaculate Conception. This iconography comes from the Book of Revelation 12:1 and the description of the appearance of a "woman clothed with sun, and a moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars." Catholics associate this figure with Mary and the stars with the apostles. The color blue is associated with the Blessed Mother and traditionally only the best lapis lazuli blue was employed to color her robes in art.

Though his motives were unknown to many, Arsene Heitz, the French designer of the flag, declared that he was inspired by the descriptions of Marian apparitions in Paris, which are now referred to as the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal. Heitz, a devout Catholic, entered the flag design competition of 1950 with his circle of stars on blue ground and won.

It just so happens that 1950 was the year the liturgy for the Mass of the Assumption that took as its introit Revelation 12:1. It just so happens that the flag was officially adopted on Dec. 8, 1955. France, Luxembourg and Siena were among the cities and countries once consecrated to the Blessed Virgin.

Coincidence? Certainly it is presented as such nowadays. Meanwhile, the euro currency, license plates and the ubiquitous EU flag proudly display these stars.

Christians in Europe can take comfort from the thought that even as a child may push away its mother, ashamed to admit dependence, a good mother hovers patiently nearby, ready for the moment when her child will turn to her again in need.