Q. 1. What is the meaning of Mary's mantle? I frequently read prayers that ask that the needy person be wrapped in Mary's mantle.

A. 1. Many pictures and statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary show her as wearing a long veil that covers her head and stretches to the ground. This veil is also called a mantle.

Some Catholics, especially those with special needs, find lots of comfort in the images or statues of Mary that show her holding open her mantle in order to wrap it around her children. Such an action implies that Mary's children are protected by her as a mother should protect her children.

Note: The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the protection of Mary's veil on a feast day in its liturgical calendar.