Mountain Mary (Anna Maria Jung) lived in the 18th century and was known for her devout Catholic faith, her skills as a healer, and her care for the poor and sick in her community. She is remembered not only for her physical healing but also for her spiritual wisdom and the comfort she provided to those in need. Mountain Mary, or "Mary of the Mountain," is a revered figure in Pennsylvania folklore, particularly in the Oley Valley area. She is considered a folk saint by many in the region. Devotional work with Mountain Mary, while rooted in the Christian faith, often incorporates elements of Pennsylvania Dutch folk magic, blending prayers, rituals, and natural elements.
Mountain Mary's feast day as a folk saint is observed on November 16th
This devotional work with Mountain Mary aims to seek her intercession for healing, protection, guidance, and blessings, drawing on her legacy of deep faith and care for the community.
Materials
- A white candle (symbolizing purity and healing)
- Holy Water
- Fresh water (preferably from a natural source like a spring)
- A small cross or rosary
- Herbs associated with healing (such as rosemary, sage, or chamomile)
- A small piece of bread (symbolizing sustenance)
- A written prayer or petition
Choose a quiet place where you can focus on your devotional work. Set up a small altar with the candle, herbs, holy water, cross or rosary, and bread. This space should be clean and free of distractions, allowing you to fully concentrate on your intentions.
Light the white candle, saying:
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. I light this candle in honor of Mountain Mary, seeking her guidance, protection, and healing power."
Invocation Prayer
"Holy Mountain Mary, blessed healer and faithful servant of God, I call upon you with a humble heart. Just as you tended to the sick and provided for those in need, I ask for your intercession in my life. Guide me with your wisdom, heal me with your grace, and protect me with your love. Amen."
Offering the Water
Pour the fresh water into a bowl and add some Holy Water, saying: "This water is a symbol of your healing touch, Mountain Mary. As I offer it to you, may it bring forth your blessings of health and well-being."
Hold the herbs in your hands and pray:
"These herbs, given by God’s creation, are symbols of the healing gifts you bestowed upon those in need. May their essence carry your strength and protection to me and those I care for."
Place the herbs on the altar or in the water as a symbol of the healing you seek.
Petition or Prayer
Write down your specific intention or request on a piece of paper. This could be for healing, protection, guidance, or any other need. Place the paper under the candle or hold it as you pray.
Personal Petition
"Dear Mountain Mary, I seek your intercession for [state your intention]. Please bless me with your healing power, guide me with your wisdom, and protect me with your love. May your spirit walk with me and keep me safe from harm. Amen."
Blessing with the Cross or Rosary
Hold the cross or rosary over the water and say: "In the name of Christ, I bless this water and ask that it be filled with the healing power of Mountain Mary. May it cleanse, heal, and protect me and those I love."
Dip your fingers into the water and make the sign of the cross over yourself, asking for Mary’s protection and healing.
Consuming the Bread
Eat the small piece of bread as a symbol of sustenance and spiritual nourishment, saying:
"As I partake in this simple meal, I ask for the blessings of Mountain Mary to fill me with strength, health, and peace."
End your devotional work with a prayer of thanks
"Thank you, Mountain Mary, for your presence and intercession. May your spirit continue to guide, heal, and protect all who call upon you. I leave this altar with a heart full of gratitude, trusting in your love and care. Amen."
Extinguish the candle, allowing the smoke to carry your prayers to the heavens.
Maintaining the Devotion
You may choose to maintain this devotional practice over several days, weeks, or whenever you feel the need for Mountain Mary’s intercession. Keep the herbs, water, and other elements on your altar fresh, and renew your petitions as needed.
Folk Magic Elements
Herbs: In Pennsylvania Dutch folk magic, herbs are often used for their healing properties. Rosemary and sage are particularly powerful for protection and purification.
Water: Fresh water, especially from natural sources, is seen as a conduit for healing and blessings. It symbolizes purity and the flow of life.
Bread: Consuming a small piece of bread connects you to the earth’s sustenance, a practice that reflects the agrarian roots of Mountain Mary’s community.
Light: The candle represents the light of faith and the intercession of Mountain Mary, guiding you through darkness and difficulties.
Mountain Mary Art by Schon Wanner