The Rule of Life of the Virgin Mary in Childhood

Reading this afternoon I came across the private revelation of the Blessed Virgin Mary's request for a rule of life from her teacher Anna and the old priest in the Temple.

The old priest gave Mary her rule of life while she remained on her knees before him.

"Pray always for the Temple of the Lord, for His people, and for the coming of the Messias. Retire to sleep at eight o'clock, and rise at dawn to praise the Lord until nine. During the day, as your teacher directs, engage in manual work and study the Scriptures. Take exercise before meals. In all things be humble, courteous and obedient."

Mary then asked for the priest's blessing and kissed his and Anna's hands. Then she willingly learned her new duties, lived her rule of life.

I believe it was Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich to whom this private revelation was given by Mary, but it is cited in The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics (Brown).

Here we have yet another example of a rule of life, or plan of life as it is also called, and an example of a ceremonial rendering and reception of this rule. Yet the bulk of the private revelation deals with Mary's living out the rule she was given and agreed to.