Prayer to Mary for the Conversion of a Loved One

Written by: Ishbel McGilvery McGregor and included in the book Praying with Mary: Sacred Prayers to the Blessed Mother for All Occasions by Janice T. Connell

Your prayer group of sweet loving where I gave myself to you

Has filled me with a wonder that is full of thoughts of you.

My life is now poured out, in love and work and prayer

And yet, there is a sadness, for I long to help and share.

The one whom Heaven gave me to share this life on earth

Has not received your gentle kiss and does not know your worth.

I long to share my happiness, to talk of all your words,

To plan our lives around them and bring others to the Lord.

But my love views me with sorrow at all the time I take

In chasing after visions and praying for your sake.                                           

O gentle Mother, hear me, please touch “my love” for me

That together we may journey with your Blessed Son and thee.

Let our family be a haven for the lonely and the weak

That we may bring your blessings when a messenger you seek.

May our home be full of laughter, may our journey be a prayer.

Let our lives reflect the beauty of your loving and your care. Amen.

Note to readers:  I began praying the little known “Prayer to Mary for the Conversion of a Loved One” by Ishbel McGilvery McGregor the minute I set eyes on it. I prayed the prayer which I found in Janice T. Connell’s book for my loved one several times throughout the day in addition to praying the Rosary for his conversion. Through the grace of God, the power of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the intercession of the Blessed Mother, I am grateful to say that this Easter (2014) marked the fourteen year anniversary of my then boyfriend, now husband’s returnto full participation in the Catholic Church.  Praise God!

 
I have since shared this gem of a prayer with a number of family and friends over the years.  I've also continued to pray it for some of my loved ones who have not yet discovered the value of a relationship with God's Mother as a way to get to know and love Christ more deeply.

Our Lady of Fatima Visions and Message

On May 13-October 13, 1917 the Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children, Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta, six times in Fatima, Portugal.  To read about the Message of Fatima she gave to the children and the world, click on this link to the Vatican website on these apparitions.   

   
Both of my parents and my grandmothers have often prayed the Rosary and turned to Mary, the Mother of God, to ask for her prayers and intercession.  Devotion to the Blessed Mother has been a tradition in our family since long before I was born.  

   
The two prayers that I prayed daily in hopes to bring about Kevin's return to the Catholic faith in which he was raised were the Rosary and "The Prayer to Mary for the Conversion of a Loved One," a prayer which I first came across in this amazing book.

   
Kevin gave me a beautiful pink crystal Rosary even before he returned to the faith, because I’d asked for one.  I once said another Rosary wouldn’t mean as much, though I now have another one that means a great deal to me.  The Rosary case I have is still the one my mom gave me years ago, and the Rosary I keep with me all the time belonged to my dad.  He used it a lot during his life, so I’m very grateful to carry on the tradition of the Catholic faith and devotion to the Blessed Mother by using it regularly to pray for family, friends, and all who are suffering in mind, body, and spirit.
   
Here is the trailer from the original film The 13^th Day: The True Story of Fatima is a beautiful portrayal of the events including and surrounding these apparitions:

      

Our Pilgrimage to Ireland

     My mom took my grandmother, sisters, and me on a pilgrimage to a house of prayer in Ireland to receive a special blessing the summer after my sophomore year of college.  For my sisters and I, this was a first.  We’d never been to Europe or gone on an official pilgrimage.  In more ways than one my experience in Ireland foreshadowed what my junior year studying abroad in Paris would be like.

     My mom and her good friend Colleen had taken a day off from the group tour they’d gone on together the previous fall in order to visit Our Lady Queen of Peace House of Prayer in Achill Sound, Achill, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland.  My mom had read Thomas W. Petrisko’s book titled The Sorrow, the Sacrifice, and the Triumph: The Apparitions, Visions,and Prophecies of Christina Gallagher and was inspired to make a pilgrimage to the house of prayer the woman about whom the book was written had been instructed to have built.  In the book it is said that Our Lady appeared many times to Christina Gallagher, a visionary, mystic, stigmatist, and victim soul.  “The Queen of Peace requested this house of prayer be especially used for the recitation of the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and as a sanctuary for priests” (pg. 234).  

     My mom wanted to take all of us on the pilgrimage, but one of my sisters wasn’t sure if she wanted to go.  She had joined a nearby Presbyterian Church and wasn’t sure about coming with us on a pilgrimage to a Marian house of prayer.  Mom asked her to pray about it.  When she did, she was led to a Bible verse.  When she checked out the website for the house of prayer, she saw the exact same Bible verse on there, and that was sign enough for her that God wanted her to come with us. 

     I really wanted Kevin to make the trip as well, but he couldn’t afford it, nor did he understand why it was important to go to a specific place to pray and receive a special blessing.  He still didn’t understand why I enjoyed going on retreats, so traveling overseas on a pilgrimage was way beyond anything he was ready for at that time. 

     I brought a photo of Kevin and me together to put in the box of prayer intentions at the chapel in the house of prayer.  I prayed for us often during that visit, not just at the house of prayer, but also when we stayed at the Connemara Coast Hotel. 

     I had lots of time to pray, read the Bible, and write since I wasn’t able to adjust to the time change.  I shared a room with my youngest sister and didn’t want to keep her awake at night, so I sat in the bathroom where the light wouldn’t disturb her and prayed, wrote notes to Kevin, and filled up page after page of hotel stationery with possible Scripture readings for our wedding, along with hymns, and even a preliminary guest list. 

     During our stay on the Connemara Coast, I would usually sleep during the day while Mom, Grandma (my maternal grandmother), and my sisters went sightseeing.  I’d wake up in the afternoon and walk to the nearby church.  Mary Mother of the Sea Church had a labyrinth walk in the courtyard.  For the first few days I did the labyrinth walk, I unknowingly went about it wrong.  I started on the outside and went in, but then I left.  I finally got a pamphlet from the church explaining the labyrinth walk, and from then on I knew to contemplate my inward journey with God while going to the center of the circle, then meditate on outreach from self to others and the world while retracing my steps back out. 

     Though I thought about Kevin often and went so far as to write down ideas about our wedding, though we weren’t even engaged yet, it was one of the few times I didn’t get to talk with him once or twice a day on the phone.  For some reason, I still felt very close to him. Praying for us encouraged me about the prospects of our relationship and future together.
     It's truly miraculous what God has been doing in our lives since that summer of 2001.  Our marriage, our faith journeys, and our witness are all proof that nothing is impossible with God.  
     Lord, thank You for reminding us from time to time how far You have brought us, through the many twists and turns of life, in and out of joy and sorrow, with an ever sharper focus on You.  Amen.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 135) Books and Mothers and Sisters, Oh My!

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Grace is…being around people with a great sense of humor and very active imaginations, a large cup of hot tea on a cold winter’s night, heading home when a neighbor calls and needs something though you aren’t sure what, because her phone cuts out after about ten seconds, the ability to appreciate and smile at children who are too clever and intelligent for their own good, Mom’s homemade family recipe chili with mashed potatoes, noticing the variety of crayon colors used on the wall and the bathroom door, having people be really excited and relieved to have you back…  

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Happy New Year Kevin and I want to start this year off right, so we went to the vigil Mass at St. Benedict's New Year’s Eve. I couldn't think of a better way to ring in the new year than to kick things off with a focus on Christ and a tribute to Theotokos, the God-bearer.  In the morning, we went to Mass at our usual parish for the Solemnity of the Blessed Mother.  It was great to see the church so packed for a middle of the week feast day Mass!  Click here to find out what's so special about Mary.

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Life Imitates Fiction Yesterday morning, as per the girls’ request, I read them the classic children’s picture book by Don Freeman Corduroy three times in a row.  Not too long after that, I tripped over the kid fence that keeps them out of the computer area in their family room.  I didn’t just catch my foot on it and fall.  I took the flipping thing down, along with a tall floor lamp, and a small child.  All of us were okay, mostly just stunned.  I’m told the floor lamp still works.  (I was not brave enough to try plugging it back in since the plug was strangely bent, and I was already having so many things go wrong that I feared electrocution would be the result.)
    It dawned on me a little later that perhaps reading a book in which the following phrases appear: “bang into a tall floor lamp.  Over it fell with a crash!” got stuck in my brain and played out in real life.  Just one more reason, you should be careful what you read.  Fox in Socks is not the only book that’s dangerous! 

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Keep Up the Good Fight! To be in solidarity with those who are fighting the HHS mandate, which infringes upon a number of religious freedoms, the USCCB is inviting people to join in prayer, fasting, and abstinence from meat on Fridays in January.   

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A Day in the Life of… Our dear friend and sister in Christ Michele Morris sent me a play to post as her update since entering a cloistered monastery August 6, 2013.  I’m grateful to know by reading and laughing a lot that Michele’s still just as silly, faith-filled, spunky, and endearing as she was before becoming a Carmelite postulant.  This short original play by a playwright/actress/director, rider of Harley Davidson’s turned cloistered postulant will have you in stitches!
Anyone who had the privilege of seeing her performance of the play she wrote and directed, Teresita in order to pay off her student debt from attending a Presbyterian seminary (though she's always been Catholic) will enjoy this piece.  The only thing that would make it better is if we could watch her perform it live.

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Fave Books of 2013 Here’s a quick reference list of some of the best spiritual nonfiction, parenting, and fiction books I’ve read and reviewed this past year.  I’ve read tons and tons more books than I’ve written reviews of in the past calendar year, but these are my favorites of those reviewed and in many cases the must-reads of each category (at least in the opinion of this voracious reader).

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Everyday Things That Affect Your Mood!

May your 2014 be filled with blessings, love, laughter, joy, health, and prosperity!

Lord, our future is in Your Hands; we pray for Your Will!

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.

Favorite Books Read & Reviewed in 2013

Spiritual Non-fiction

God’s Bucket List*

Fresh Bread and Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment

A Mary Christmas 

Walking with Mary: A Journey from Nazareth to the Cross*

My Sisters the Saints*

 *Indicates a book review that was included as part of a Virtual Blog Tour 

Great Books on Faith, Marriage, Parenting, & Family Life

Pope Awesome and Other Stories 

Yes, God! 


Man to Man: Dad to Dad 

Fabulous Catholic Fiction Series

American Tragedy in Trilogy: 

Fatherless (Book 1)

Motherless (Book 2)

Childless (Book 3) 

I read and enjoyed all three, but I have only written and posted my review of the first one, thus far.  The other links are to purchase the books on Amazon rather than to reviews I've written.

Young Adult novels John Paul 2 High Series:

Catholic Reluctantly Book 1

Trespasses Against Us Book 2

Summer of My Dissent Book 3

Undercover Papist Book 4

I have read all four published books in the series, and I've even gotten to help out with and read a bit of still- to-be-published Book 5.  I have only posted my reviews of the first two books, but all four are really good reads.      

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 120)

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From Womb to Tomb “My dear friends, you are called to care for human life from its beginning stages. Remind everyone, through actions and words, that in all its phases and at any age, life is always sacred and always of quality. It's not just a matter of faith, but of reason and science!” –Pope Francis

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Heartstrings Michele Morris, my friend who entered a cloistered Carmelite monastery this past August, has been on my mind and heart a lot lately.  I’ve been wondering how she’s doing, then out of the blue I received an e-mail from her mom in which she included the following message for me from Michele: “Hi, The glory bee you gave me has been adopted by all the Sisters.  Love, Hugs and Glory Bees........Michele” I’m taking this to mean that not only has the community been accepting of the little stuffed animal “glory bee” I gave her, but that they are also, and far more importantly, welcoming her warmly, lovingly, and enthusiastically into their fold. 

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Can He? Could He? Would He? Did He? These are some of the lyrics to a catchy little song I learned and had to perform in front of the other teens and chaperones at a lock-in I attended with a Christian friend of mine back when we were in high school.  It seems a good time to get back to the basics, which I see as returning to ALL we have and ALL we need: God.  

     Kevin and I have both been feeling lost and wondering what’s next for us in pretty much every single area of our lives.  A major consolation is that there are some things we are sure of: 1.) we want to do God’s will 2.) we’re not quite sure what that entails as of yet, and 3.) we both need to be grateful that the Lord has brought us together and is bringing us closer to Him and one another (which is part of my prayer for the two of us every day).            

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Walking with Mary My husband and I both relished the approachability, wisdom, and the subtle humor found throughout Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross. Edward Sri is a very knowledgeable, well-read, and engaged student of the Blessed Mother.  His approach is intriguing and far more compelling than a strictly academic study of Mary’s role in salvation history.

Walking with Mary is so insightful and inspiring that I read it twice.  I rarely reread a book unless I absolutely love it and/or really want to share it with my husband Kevin.  The second time through, I read Walking with Mary aloud to Kevin, and we were both fascinated by how author/professor Edward Sri explains the role of Mary in God’s plan for our eternal salvation through close examination of Old and New Testament Scripture passages from G-R (Genesis through Revelation).  A clearer picture and more in-depth explanation of the culture and customs of families and society in the time she lived are what really set this book apart from others about Mary, who is the ideal model for all Christ’s followers…Read more here.

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Soap Suds This evening I finally did something Kevin and I have considered doing for 15+ years and had never gotten around to: I melted down the bar of soap we gave him with a tugboat in the middle of it.  My mom, sisters, and I presented this gift of soap with tugboat in it after Kevin had been so kind to take all of us out on his family’s boat while we were there visiting.  We chose this particular bar of soap from one of our favorite shops in Rochester, Parkleigh, because one of the times Kevin had taken us out on the boat, he’d been intent on finding a sunken tugboat he assured us was in the area.  None of us ever spotted it, so we hassled him by getting him this submerged tugboat soap.  I think it’s really adorable that he kept it all these years.  (Don’t worry he’s used lots of other soap since.)  We presented him with this gag gift before he and I were even dating.  Now I have unearthed the tugboat (the one pictured-isn't it cute?!), and it’s on one of our corner shelves along with some other items from soon after we first met and became friends.

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My Mama Showed Me There have been a number of things that I’ve learned from how my mother has lived since we were little.  Praying, reading, writing, listening to God, respecting life from conception to natural death, finding joy in spending time with the young and the old, singing, dancing, laughing, having fun, being silly, hanging out with friends, and encouraging others are all important aspects of life I have learned from the way my mom lives her life.
   
Lord, I ask that you would inspire all parents, caregivers, nannies, child care providers…to take joy in the gift of their children, and turn to You for guidance and the unconditional love necessary to do what’s best for the little ones entrusted to our care. 
 
If you love little ones and are a person of prayer, see what you can do to support parents and young ones near you.
    

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How to Listen so Kids Will Talk I read this book a while back as part of my training hours for the school where I work.  I know some of you are thinking that you’d really be more interested in finding out how to get kids to stop talking, but I have found this to be one of the very best books I’ve ever read in terms of listening.  I highly recommend getting a copy of this book to read and reread and read again.  Most communication problems have to do with people’s inability or unwillingness to listen.  This book covers the steps and necessary aspects of active listening.  If you want to improve your relationship with anyone—not just children—read this book and do what it says.  Actually, the companion to this book How to Talk To Kids so They Will Listen is a good read as well, but interestingly enough, it wasn't nearly as life-changing for me.  One of my favorite pieces of advice from the woman and her son who started Applebaum Training Institute is: "The more you connect, the less you correct."  It's so incredibly true!!  The more you connect, listen, and really interact with kids (and anyone else in your life), the more likely they are to listen to you and what you have to say.    

                  

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.

Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross by Edward Sri

My husband and I both relished the approachability, wisdom, and the subtle humor found throughout Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross. Edward Sri is a very knowledgeable, well-read, and engaged student of the Blessed Mother.  His approach is intriguing and far more compelling than a strictly academic study of Mary’s role in salvation history.

  
Walking with Mary is so insightful and inspiring that I read it twice.  I rarely reread a book unless I absolutely love it and/or really want to share it with my husband Kevin.  The second time through, I read Walking with Mary aloud to Kevin, and we were both fascinated by how author/professor Edward Sri explains the role of Mary in God’s plan for our eternal salvation through close examination of Old and New Testament Scripture passages from G-R (Genesis through Revelation).  A clearer picture and more in-depth explanation of the culture and customs of families and society in the time she lived are what really set this book apart from others about Mary.    

  
Mary is seen as the ideal model for all Christ’s followers.  This book is a wonderful reminder of the various ways the Blessed Mother says yes to God and keeps doing so throughout her life.  She is a perfect model of trust and discernment: someone who always seeks, listens for the will of God, and does whatever He asks of her. 

  
As Sri points out: “Mary’s command to the servants at the Wedding at Cana—‘Do whatever he tells you’ (John 2:5)—are her last recorded words in the Bible. And they are like a last will and testament to all of us who wish to follow Christ.  Through these words, Mary exhorts us to trust Jesus completely just as she abandoned herself to God’s plan step-by-step throughout her life as the humble servant of the Lord.”

  
Walking with Mary is an interesting book for someone who has read a lot about and spent quite a bit of time praying with the Blessed Mother as well as someone who isn’t well-versed in Scripture or as familiar with Mary’s role in salvation history.  Protestants and Catholics alike will appreciate this intimate look at Scripture as a way to learn about Mary and become better disciples of Christ. 

  
For more information about Walking with Mary, to read an excerpt of the book, find out more about the author Edward Sri, and/or to order your own copy, visit the Image Catholic Books site here. 

     Click here to read an interview with author Edward Sri about Walking with Mary.

     Check out Edward Sri’s Facebook page here.

This post is part of a Virtual Book Tour.  To read some of the other reviews and reflections on Walking with Mary, an interview with the author, and the first video in the series Edward Sri is doing to go with the book, click here.     

Walking with Mary Virtual Book Tour

    

     I’m really excited that my blog is one of the stops on the Virtual Book Tour that begins Tuesday, September 10, 2013, the day the book goes on sale and ends Thursday, September 26. Walking with Mary is a beautifully written book about the one person who knew Jesus Christ most intimately, the Blessed Mother.  The stop at Prints of Grace will be on Tuesday, September 17.  Each day of the tour a new blogger will be hosting for that day and providing additional insights about Walking with Mary.  The schedule and list of all blogs featured on the Virtual Tour is below.

Tour Schedule

Sept. 10: The Catholic BookBlogger

Sept. 11: Catholic Bibles

Sept. 12: Snoring Scholar

Sept. 13: Karen Edmisten

Sept. 14: Snoring Scholar

Sept. 15: Abigail’s Alcove

Sept. 16: Integrated Catholic Life

Sept. 17: Prints of Grace

Sept. 18: CatholicMom

Sept. 19: Where Have We Been and Where are We Going

Sept. 20: Brandon Vogt

Sept. 21: The Joe Sales Blog

Sept. 22: Single Catholic Girl

Sept. 23: Stuart’s Study

Sept. 24: Random Acts of Momness

Sept. 25 – Feminine Genius

Sept. 26 –The Catholic Book Blogger

     For more information about the book Walking with Mary, the author Edward Sri, and/or to order your own copy, visit the Image Catholic Books site here. 

     Click here to read an interview with author Edward Sri about Walking with Mary.

     Checkout Edward Sri’s Facebook page here.

     Do you love books and have a blog of your own? Yes, then you might want to become a member of the new and improved Blogging for Books program.  Click here to read more about it and/or register to get free books.   

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pray for Us

     It’s hard to believe that one year ago today, on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, my dear sister in Christ, Michele Morris held the début of Teresita, the one woman, one act play she wrote based on the life and vocational discernment of St. Teresa of Avila.  Michele’s academic and professional background is in theater, acting, and directing, as well as evangelizing through plays and skits.   

In Search of the Right Saint

     For a while, Michele had considered writing a play about another saint, someone far more obscure that she’d have to dig hard to find out about, but when she spoke with Fr. Dan Brady, a local priest who has performed the one-man play Damien written by Aldyth Morris a number of times in our area, he suggested she write her play about St. Teresa of Avila.  With that suggestion and inspiration, she gathered a variety of resources about the saint’s life, including information about her personality, family relationships, vocational discernment, faith, education, and perseverance in entering a religious community as soon as possible.  She researched St. Teresa of Avila’s life through books, letters, poems, biographies, and historical information in preparation for writing her original play named Teresita. 

Asking the Tough Questions

     As Michele Morris has been discerning her own lifelong vocation, she has asked the Lord many times
throughout her life a question that appears over and over in her play: “What do You want of me?”  This question is the refrain directly from a poem written by St. Teresa of Avila called “In the Hands of God.”

     The poignant poem and pertinent refrain are ones I’ve returned to often over the past year as I spend time in prayer discerning what the Lord wants of me in my life, where He is leading me and my husband in our vocation of marriage, and how that changes what we do now and how we prepare for the future.  

     In response to the tough questions Michele has asked the Lord and the answers she's received from Him, she left Richmond, Virginia, for good on Sunday, July 14, 2013 after living here for eighteen years.  After signing over her car and visiting some friends, she'll be heading down to her hometown of Deland, Florida.  From there, she and her mom will fly out to the West Coast.
     On August 6, 2013, Michele will officially enter the Carmelite Sisters by the Sea cloistered monastery and become a postulant.  I plan to publish some more posts regarding her faith journey, the play she wrote, and the many ways she has touched people's lives in profound ways, so please check back for more.

Catholicism DVD Sets: Buy One, Give One

     Catholicism is an awe-inspiring, around the world, journey into the mysteries of the Roman Catholic faith.  Without a passport, airline tickets, or hotel accommodations, you can go on pilgrimage to some of Christianity's most sacred spots on Earth with Fr. Robert Barron of Word on Fire as your esteemed tour guide.

     To see some highlights of the Catholicism series, check out the video below:

  

     My husband and I were inspired to view the Catholicism DVDs when our beloved brother in Christ, John, purchased a set and was very impressed by what he saw.  It was really interesting to watch many of the DVDs during this past summer while John was in Europe visiting a number of the holy sites described and featured in these DVDs.  Suddenly we had a deeper understanding of the inspiration behind his pilgrimage itinerary, and we could feel a sense of connection as he journeyed to these places to witness the beauty and faithfulness they contain.  

     My mom gave me the set of Catholicism DVDs as a gift, knowing that Kevin and I really enjoyed the series.  Several parishes and prayer groups have been offering viewings of Catholicism as part of ongoing formation, education, and evangelization for parishioners, families, and those interested in learning more about the Roman Catholic faith.  

     Right now, there is a special deal being offered where for the price of one set of Catholicism DVDs, you will receive two complete sets.  One for you, and one to give to someone else.  For more information and/or to take advantage of the buy one, give one offer that's available for a limited time only, click here.        

We Have a New Pope!

My Prayer for Our New Pope: Lord, thank You for watching over the conclave and guiding the cardinals by the ever-present gift of the Holy Spirit as they discerned who our next pope should be.  

Jesus Christ and Blessed Mother Mary, keep your servant Pope Francis focused on the Will of the Lord above all else.  Give him the courage to carry out the tenets of the Catholic faith which protect and respect the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.  Make him a bright light and lasting inspiration for priests and laity as we do our best to live, teach, and preach the New Evangelization.  May his deep prayer life and joy in serving the Lord be an example for us all!  Amen. 

A Mary Christmas

I read A Mary Christmas during this past Advent season as part of preparing my heart for Christmas.  I can’t think of a better person than Christ’s own mother to have as a guide during the Christmas season and beyond.  It helps me to be reminded that much of what happened was completely unexpected, unexplained, and certainly unplanned by Mary and her betrothed, Joseph, though both trusted the Lord and did as He told them.

    
I know how much of a struggle it can be to listen for and say yes to the Lord, especially when you don’t know what that consent will entail (and oftentimes even when you do know, in part what it will require of you).  I’ve also witnessed the blessings and joy that have gone far beyond anything I could have ever thought of or even considered to pray for on my own. 

    
In this short, poignant book, Kathleen M. Carroll focuses on “the Seven Joys of Mary:  the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity of Our Lord, the Adoration of the Magi, the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple, the Appearance of the Risen Christ to His Mother, and the Assumption and Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven. “

    
Sometimes it’s easier for me to imagine the depths of Mary’s sorrow than it is to grasp the fullness of the joy she experienced in her life by letting God work freely in and through her in mind, body, and spirit.  We miss out on the powerful blessings and ultimate triumphs if we contemplate Mary only when her heart was “pierced seven times” without spending time also meditating on the unfathomable joy that was infused into her life in time and eternity.

    
Mary, Queen of Heaven, Mother of God, teach us your joy.  Amen.

    
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on A Mary Christmas. The Catholic Company has great gift ideas for all seasons of the liturgical year.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 80)

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Post –abortion Healing Retreat Please join me in praying for all of the participants of the Rachel’s Vineyard post-abortion healing retreat that is taking place this weekend from Friday through Sunday at Shalom House.  Kay Marie, a dear friend who has headed up this ministry in our area with her husband Joe for many years, will be doing her first retreat since he passed away. 

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Blessed Woman, Peaceful Dove Kevin and I enjoyed Mass at St. Michael's in celebration of the feast day of our country's patron: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Afterwards the two of us did a Rosary walk. Still brings a huge smile to my face thinking of how far Kevin and I have come in our faith and conversion since we first became friends 16 years ago. Thank You Lord Jesus Christ for Your love and the Blessed Mother for always bringing us closer to Your Son! 

           

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What’s so special about Mary?  This seems a fitting question at Christmastime, especially with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8) and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadelupe (Dec. 12).  Busted Halo does a great explanation in this video and you can read my own reflection on her importance here.

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Great God-Incidents  On Wednesday, I just made it to Mass on time at St. Benedict's.  Kevin wasn't feeling well, so he had gone home after work.  My friend Michele slid in next to me.  I haven't seen her much lately, so it was great to celebrate Mass on a special feast day, then have a chance to catch up with her in the parking lot afterwards.  As usual. she had a funny story for me.  Something that's common among my favorite people to spend time with: they are great at making me laugh!

  

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The Death of a Bishop "Praying for the repose of the soul of Bishop Walter Sullivan who has passed into eternal life. May God's angels welcome him and eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. A great leader, ecumenist, and reconciler. Rest in peace and rise in Glory!" -Jan Fuller former Hollins Chaplain on the death of the former Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond who passed away last Tuesday. 

For more information as well as the funeral arrangements and services, please see the diocesan website.

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Back from the Outback! My mom made it home safely last Friday from her two weeks in Australia.  She came over to dinner to tell us about her trip and showed us tons of gorgeous photos.  I know my grandma’s happy to have my mom back to visit her daily.  We’re also kind of glad that she’s over the need-to-travel-the-world kick at least for a little while after her most recent escapades.   

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A Spectacular New Book Series Kevin this evening: "I've never seen you this excited about a book or series...ever!" I just finished reading the first four books in a remarkable series you won't want to miss!  I'll be writing more on my blog and posting reviews of each individual book, but here's the website so you can check it out ASAP!  

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.

What’s So Special About Mary?

Here's a quick answer to that question from Busted Halo:

    

Honor Your Mother:

     
Mary did what Our Creator hopes each one of us will do: use the gift of free will to glorify the Lord and bring others closer to Him.  The Virgin Mary's entire life on earth and in Heaven has been centered on giving praise, honor, glory, and worship to the Lord who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  

     
From the very moment she was conceived, God preserved her from the stain of original sin, because the Mother of Jesus had to be spotless in order to be a fitting tabernacle for Christ.  We celebrate this feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.  Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the patron saint of the United States.  The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, is the largest Catholic church in America.  It is quite breathtaking, definitely holy ground.   

    
Who is the person who knew Christ most intimately, loved Him most unconditionally, and bore the greatest suffering so that God's plan of salvation would be accomplished?  The Mother of God.  That's why she is to be honored: for submitting completely to the Lord's will, for saying "Yes" to God every minute of her life, and thereby spending every moment in time and eternity praising the Lord.  Catholics don't worship Mary, but we do honor her as The Mother of God and "the handmaid of the Lord."  

    
I firmly believe that any good mother (and/or childcare provider, nanny, teacher...) learns a great deal from children.  What better instructor could Mary have had to teach her lessons of love, hope, faith, peace, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, wisdom, honesty, innocence, joy, suffering, and sacrifice than Jesus Christ Himself?   

A Strong Devotion to the Blessed Mother Always Leads to a Closer Walk with Christ   

Note to reader: I originally wrote and posted the following part of this reflection on January, 1, 2011. 

     
I’ve had a very strong devotion to the Blessed Mother for a number of years. I know the Lord has used her example and intercession to help me grow closer to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Mary was willing to do what God calls us each to do: put Him before everyone and everything else now and always.

When she was asked to be the Mother of Christ, she didn’t say something to the effect of: “I don’t know (or flat-out no), it wouldn’t be good for my reputation or my family if I became pregnant before living with my betrothed. Actually, since I would likely be stoned to death since that’s the punishment for a woman who becomes pregnant out of wedlock, I think I’ll pass.”

She asked how this would come to pass and is told: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:34-35). Instead of fretting over what her parents would think, what Joseph would say, what her friends might start whispering behind her back, Mary had the grace and trust in the Lord to respond with: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).

     
What a wonderful example Mary was of being open to the Lord’s grace and willing to serve Him in whatever ways He calls us to be vessels, holy tabernacles for the Holy Spirit! There have been countless times when I’ve prayed to know God’s will and have the courage to carry it out, but at the same time, I’ve had a million things come to mind about what might happen in terms of adversity, struggle, pain, or suffering, if I submit to the Lord completely in mind, body, and spirit. I know doing so means He’ll likely bring about some major changes in and around me that will bring me closer to Him. Some of the Divine Pruning will be quite painful, though, absolutely necessary.

     
“Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior’” (Luke 1:46-47. These two statements seem to sum up what every person is called to do: be a tabernacle which reflects and projects the Lord and rejoice in the God who saves us.

     
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son Jesus and the Blessed Mother of God, who always point others to You. Please help us be open to whatever is necessary for us to become holier tabernacles for You. Plant Your will in our hearts and make it our deepest desire and most fervent longing. Amen.

Four Books about Mary I highly recommend: 

A Mary Christmas

Praying with Mary
Here is the link to my favorite prayer from this book.

Mysteries of the Virgin Mary: Living Our Lady’s Graces

Preparation for Total Consecration