Mary is the symbol of Catholic Europe. The European Union is therefore closely related to Her.
Political leaders who were instrumental in bringing about the union of European countries were devout Catholics. These pioneering figures were Konrad Adenauer of Germany (1876-1967), Robert Schuman of France (1886-1963), and Alcide De Gasperi of Italy (1881-1954). Their preparations led to the first organisation, which is the precursor to the present-day European Union. This took place on 25 March 1957, which is the Feast of the Annunciation.
The Catholic history of Europe is strongly interwoven with Mary. In Europe, there are countless places where a shrine or place of prayer is dedicated to Mary, such as Banneux, Beauraing, Brezje, Covadonga, Fatima, Gietrzwald, Heroldsbach, Knock, La Salette, Laus, Loreto, Lourdes, Mariastein, Marienfried, Marpingen, Medugorje, Montichiari and Scherpenheuvel.
Mary appears in numerous paintings and sculptures throughout the Old Continent. Mary is therefore a very fitting symbol for Europe, even though She is Jewish and not a European woman.
The European flag, of the European Union and the Council of Europe, also refers to Mary, as this flag has 12 golden stars on a sky-blue background. The history of the flag began in 1955, as in that year the Council of Europe chose the blue flag with 12 stars. This council is particularly active in human rights and European culture. The 12 golden stars symbolise perfection and totality. In the flag, the colour blue refers to a clear sky. The stars form a circle, symbolising unity, equality, harmony, solidarity and connection between the peoples of Europe. The flag was designed by the devout Arsène Heitz (1908-1989) from Strasbourg. He states that the blue of the background and the 12 stars refer to the Mother of God. Blue is Mary's colour and she often wears a crown with 12 stars. Later, he revealed that the flag's inspiration came from the apparitions of Mary in Rue de Bac in Paris in 1830, where she presented the Miraculous Medal. On one side of the miraculous medal, Mary is depicted sending rays of light to the earth. On the other side of the medal is the letter M in a cross above 2 hearts, and this whole is surrounded by 12 stars. After the design, it was the Belgian Paul Lévy (1910-2002) who depicted the symbolism on the flag. In 1985, the European flag was adopted and it is the symbol of the European Union. On 26 May 1986, the flag was raised for the first time at the Berlaymont building, the seat of the European Commission.
Maria reminds Europe and Europeans that there is a very strong Catholic foundation on this continent.
