“I am a child of God, emphasis on the child part” is how I
often describe myself. Why? Well, even as I get older I still stay a child. I
may be getting into adult things like taxes, but I am definitely still a child.
As a child, I am open to the world, but I do not understand it. I also have no
clue as to what I am doing half the time. Sound familiar? When I was little, I
would ask my mom a question when I wanted to understand something. I would trust
my mom to lead me to the right answer. I love my biological mother, but today I
would like to focus on my spiritual mother, Mary. Here is a picture, isn't she beautiful?
I have
always been drawn to Mary, and in multiple ways. I have always loved the Hail
Mary prayer, and when it came time to choose a confirmation saint, I of course
chose her since she is the queen of the saints and because I felt a deep
connection to her. As I got older, the Rosary became one of my favorite prayers
and a source of comfort. I have always found Mary wonderful to turn to because
she is kind and loving, and brings me closer to her Son, Jesus. There have been
many times where I have wanted to just give up on the trial I was facing, but
then I would reach out and I could feel Mary’s hand leading me to Jesus. During
a bad breakup, she walked with me step by step by means of the 54 day Rosary
novena. Some days were harder than others, but having that prayer helped me to
persevere through it all, and it strengthened my relationship with Jesus. On
another occasion, I felt called to write a letter that was very painful for me
to write. As I wrote it, I clutched my Rosary, and the pain and distress I was
feeling started to subside. Mary has continuously held my hand throughout my
life. I like to wear my Rosary on my wrist as well as sleep with it so that I
am always aware of whose hand I am holding (also you never know when you will
have extra time for a Rosary!).
For the
longest time, I was afraid of the Marian Consecration, despite my connection to
Mary. It just seemed so…committed and serious. I did not feel ready for it and shied
away from it for a long time. A few months ago, however, that changed. With the help of a few friends, I was able to
start the process. It is a 33-day preparation process, and ends with
consecration on a Marian feast day. I began my consecration April 28, which
oddly enough is the feast day of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, a saint I feel a
strong connection to. Throughout the beginning in particular, I had my doubts
about the consecration. Mary, however, helped guide me through it with gentle
love. I just finished my consecration on May 31, the feast of the Visitation.
It has only been a few days, but I am already experiencing the effects. I feel
closer to both Mary and Jesus than ever before, and I find myself more joyful
in the face of trials. Mary will not force her way into our life, but she can
offer a great amount of love and grace when we invite her in. I do not worship
Mary, but I love her very deeply. I hope I can become as much like her as I
can.
While there are many times where we
feel lost and clueless, we can always turn to Mary because she has so got this.
She is our mommy. She loves us, and would fly to the moon and back a million
times if it would help bring you closer to her Son. I am always amazed about
how Mary works in our lives. She has many names, and each one has an amazing
story behind it (I really enjoy Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Fatima in particular). I just
recently visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception in Washington D.C, and I was so overwhelmed. The priest referred to
it as “Mary’s house” and it really is with all of the chapels dedicated to her.
The most overwhelming part of it was that all of the names of these chapels
reflected a story of how Mary had worked in our lives on earth. It is amazing!
She really is Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I encourage all of you to bring her
into your lives. She can really help you, and will bring you closer to her Son.
Keep Mary in!
Your Sister In Christ,
Dani
