Mary Undoer of Knots
Mary Undoer of Knots is not an apparition like Fatima, Lourdes, or Guadalupe, but rather a powerful Marian devotion with a prayer and a knots novena that lasts nine days (prayed each day for nine consecutive days). It is a way for the faithful to turn to Our Lady Undoer of Knots in times of need, asking for her help and intercession.
The story behind Mary Undoer of Knots (she is also referred to as Mary Untier of Knots) comes from the 1600s when a German man, Wolfgang Langenmantel, faced divorce. Seeking guidance, he met with his priest and prayed for a month, requesting help from Mother Mary. Through her intercession, his marriage was saved.
Everyone faces knots in their life—problems, struggles, and challenges that seem impossible to fix. Some are caused by personal choices, while others come from outside circumstances. Whether the knots are spiritual, emotional, or physical, Mary who undoes the knots is ready to help untie them.
What is a knot?
In the story of Our Lady Undoer of Knots, the term knot represents a crisis or problem that paralyzes a person and feels impossible to overcome. Some knots are small, while others are deeply painful and overwhelming.
A knot can be anything:
- An addiction problem
- A family relationship issue
- The loss of a loved one
- A divorce
- Struggles with sins
- Doubts about faith
Jesus reminds us that sins and struggles can weigh down the heart, but with His grace, they can be untied. The Bible says:
“If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
To untie the knots of sin in our lives, we must seek God’s help. Turning to Our Lady is a powerful way to ask for His mercy and guidance.
Rest Assured, Our Lady Cares
No knot is too small or too large for Mary’s hands. Her love is selfless, and she desires only what is best for each person. As a mother, she watches over her children and offers them hope.
When turning to Mother Mary, it is important to do so with trust. She does not act on her own but always leads people to her Son. She works gently, patiently untying each knot, bringing peace to troubled hearts.
If she came to my aid ...
If Mother Mary helped me, she can help anyone. (Read my conversion story: My Catholic Conversion: A Marian Journey into the Church). She answered my call for help, and she can do the same for you.
Ignoring a knot only makes it worse. The longer a problem is left unresolved, the tighter it becomes. But when placed in Mary’s hands, even the most impossible knots can be untied.
Suffering Under The Knot
Looking back, it is easy to see how small tangles become massive knots over time. These knots trap people, keeping them from moving forward. The burden grows heavier until it dominates their life.
Many struggle under the weight of their knots, feeling hopeless and lost. But Our Lady Undoer of Knots shows that no situation is beyond God’s power. Through prayer, trust, and faith, healing is possible.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
There is always hope. God provides everything necessary for a fulfilling and joyful life. But beyond material needs, He also offers spiritual freedom.
Many people do not realize how much is available to them through prayer and devotion. When they pray to Mary Untier of Knots, they open their hearts to the grace that can transform their life.
The challenge is often believing that these problems can be solved. Many doubt whether help is possible. But countless testimonies show that Mother Mary is ready to assist those who seek her.
Story of Wolfgang Langenmantel and His Wife
The story of Mary Untier of Knots dates back to the 1600s. Wolfgang Langenmantel, a German nobleman, lived between 1586 and 1637. His wife, Sophie Imhoff, wanted a divorce, but Wolfgang wanted to save their marriage.
Seeking guidance, he met with a priest named Jakob Rem, who had great faith in Our Lady. Once a week, they would meet and pray, asking for her help.
In their final meeting, Wolfgang brought his wife and their marriage ribbon—a symbol of their union. In front of a painting of Our Lady of the Snows, Fr. Rem took the ribbon and carefully untied the knots. At that moment, it became an intense white, and their marriage was saved.
Commissioned Painting
Around the year 1700, the famous knots painting was created. Johann Melchior Georg Schmittdner was commissioned to paint an image for Wolfgang Langenmantel’s family altar. Inspired by Wolfgang’s story, he painted Mary Mother gently untying knots from a white ribbon, assisted by angels.
This knots painting has since become one of the most recognized images of Our Lady Undoer of Knots. It symbolizes the power of prayer, trust in God, and the tender care of Mother Mary.
The work above demonstrates a gift Our Lady will give those who request her to help them.
I must emphasize “request” here out of her respect for our free will. We must ask her. She cannot help us if we do not ask her. It took me a while to learn this very valuable lesson.
Today, when I request her outside of my daily Rosary, it is a tremendous honor for me to bring my petition to her. My respect and admiration for her are so great that to give her a request is a significant event for me. If you read A Catholic Conversion, you will understand why this is so.
And when blessings are provided, it is reverent to say Thank You (we must not forget that we need to be thankful and gracious) to all of those involved (that would probably be Jesus and Mary), especially if they do something for you that you cannot do for yourself.
Mary Undoer of Knots Prayer
O Virgin Mary,
Mother who never refuses to come to the help of your children in need,
Mother whose hands never stop working for the welfare of your children,
Moved as they are by the love, mercy, and kindness in your Immaculate Heart,
Cast your compassionate and merciful eyes on me and see the snarl of knots in my life.
Oh, Mother! You know the difficulties, sorrow, and pain caused by these knots.
O loving Mother, I place the ribbon of my life and this knot (these knots) into your loving hands,
Hands which can untie even the most difficult knot.
Most Holy Mother,
Come to my aid and intercede for me before God with your prayers.
I cast this knot into your hands (mention your intention/need) and beg you to untie it,
In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the glory of God, once and for all.
Our Lady Undoer of Knots, pray for us! Amen.
Consider This ... Mary Undoer of Knots Video
Mary Untier of Knots Novena - 9 Days
The knots novena is a powerful prayer practice that many turn to when facing challenges. Recently, I completed the novena of Mary Untier of Knots, keeping a short diary of my experiences.
I encourage everyone—Catholic or Protestant—to bring their needs to Mother Mary through this novena. It has changed my life, and my request was granted.
You can join this devotion by praying the Mary Undoer of Knots Novena and trusting in her intercession.
Charles Rogers is a resident of South Carolina and a retired computer programmer by trade. Raised in various Christian denominations, he always believed in Jesus Christ. In 2012, he began experiencing authentic spiritual encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led him on a seven-year journey at her hand, that included alcohol addiction, a widow maker heart attack and death and conversion to the Catholic Faith. He is the exclusive author and owner of Two Percent Survival, a website dedicated to and created in honor of the Holy Mother. Feel free to email Charles at twopercentsurvival@gmail.com.
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