Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
I’ve always been drawn to Mary, mother of Jesus, mother of God, mother of all of us. As a child, I was chosen one fine May to place a crown of flowers atop her head on a statue outside our church, part of the May Crowning celebration honoring her. When I watched The Song of Bernadette film just a few years later, I so wanted to be like Bernadette — holy enough to receive a visit from the Lady with the flowing gown who smelled of roses. I never did quite measure up, but maybe that’s okay. After thinking on such a possibility longer, I realized I might be a little too spooked if Mary really were to show up in, say, my bedroom.It just wasn’t the right setting. Obviously, I was not visitation material.
Even so, Mary had me in her gentle grasp. I remember as a teenager feeling grateful for her, because so many of the most prominent Biblical personalities were of the male variety. Pondering Mary was a relief to me as I glanced out into the world and prepared to take a brave step into what seemed at the time a very male-driven society.
When I did regrettable things during my young-adult/college years, it was Mary that I imagined watching from a quiet post in the corner, looking at me with sad eyes, whispering, “You are much better than that, dear one.” And later, it was Mary who wooed me toward motherhood, even as the world told me I really ought to accomplish X and X before accepting that vocation, and she who came to mind time and again as I set out to raise the children that resulted from my eventual trusting that all would be well somehow.
Recently, while listening to a radio program, I was reminded that all of the awesome male figures in society, past and present, were/are here because a woman gave life to them.So, too, God — God! — came into the world through a woman’s body. We are an important gender, are we not? We bear life!
One of the things I like the very most about this season is that we are more inclined to shine a spotlight on Mother Mary. Not that she would ask for it, but she certainly does deserve it. Mary always would be inclined to nudge the spotlight toward her son anyway, but recognizing her role in this life’s drama seems pretty significant to me.
But what I really wish is that we would not only pay mind to Mary during this season, but throughout the year. Her significance shouldn’t decrease, after all, just because the celebration of a babe in a manger has faded to black for a while. Mary was not just there at Jesus’ birth but throughout his life until, at last, she was called on to mother him through his dying, finally letting go so that he might return to the Father — something all of us mothers will have to do eventually as we release our children to live out their destiny.
I am thankful to Mary, not just now, but 365 days a year. I am thankful for all she stands for in this darkened world. She is a powerful presence, whether or not we recognize her among us. In the end, it is she who crushes the serpent’s head. In the end, she’s not just a gentle woman, but an incredibly strong woman who will fight to the bitter end for justice, nurturing the sick and wounded along the way.
Lucky for me, visible reminders of Mary in a tangible form are all around me. I have many good friends who are either named Mary or Marie or Maria, and my own middle name (and that of my daughter and quite a few friends) is Marie. My paternal grandmother, whom I never had a chance to meet, was named Mary.I don’t think I could escape Mother Mary even if I wanted to!
Thank you, Mary, for all you’ve done to protect me throughout my life, even when I didn’t acknowledge you. I adore you not just in this season, but always. Thank you, most of all, for pointing the way to your beloved son! I aspire to model those actions, always bringing any glory that might come my way back to the proper source, the giver of all love and life.
How has Mary touched your life?
Note: I must point out the wonderful artwork that has been seen here recently by my middle son can be largely attributed to his talented first-grade teacher, Mrs. E., who has instilled a love of art in many of her young students. She is the guiding force behind these wonderful creations. The above piece was a Christmas present he told us we could open early. “Mrs. E. even said so.” I’m glad we did!
What a beautiful picture from your first grader! My youngest son is in first grade and I can honestly say he wouldn’t be able to create something like that!
Thank you for your beautiful expression of the life and importance of Mary. It’s been so refreshing to get a taste of your heartfelt, godly, and truly spiritual Catholicism. Since I’m Protestant, I’ve really enjoyed getting to experience your passion for your faith through your blog! Thank you for sharing it!
Amazing artwork! It says it all…..I am a simple woman, my arms opened waiting for your call.
I wish I could say I ran to Mary throughout my life, but I can’t. However in the last 8 years or so, I have learned to appreciate Our Lady. During this time, I have come to believe I am honored to have Mary as my first name. Now when friends are in need of prayers, I always sned them to the Blessed Mother. She is here for us and listening, waiting for our prayers.
Mary Catherine
“Mary was not just there at Jesus’ birth but throughout his life until, at last, she was called on to mother him through his dying, finally letting go so that he might return to the Father — something all of us mothers will have to do eventually as we release our children to live out their destiny.”
That is beautiful, Roxane, and so true. I get weepy just thinking about it. You have such a gentle way of reminding us of such powerful truths. I am not Catholic (Methodist) but I say the Rosary often and pray to Mary regularly. She is indeed a wonderful and powerful presence. Thank you for today’s sunshine. 🙂
Mary Catherine, you are one of the beautiful Marys in my life, of course. Thanks for coming by. Jody and Shannon, it’s wonderful to know my faith shines through in a positive way. I feel very grateful for it and so happy to be a believer that I can’t contain it! It brings me so much hope in today’s world, and a deep-seated peace. I’m happy to have had a chance to share my love for Mary, though I have not always appreciated her as I do now. My adoration grows each year. Shannon, I am so impressed that you say the Rosary. Many don’t even know that rather tha simply being a repetitive chant, the Rosary is a meditation on the life of Jesus. As always, it’s pointing back to the Son. I remember hearing once that during an apparition, the person receiving the apparition asked Mary who the most faithful person present in a nearby crowd was, and she pointed to a Hindu woman. I don’t know if this is true or just myth, but to me, it exemplifies the fact that Mary is for all people, not just Catholics. She is at the disposal of all of us and I’m so glad you’ve had a chance to know her, too. As mothers, we could all use a little of her grace as we move through our own suffering moments. Your sharing today offered some sunshine back to me — thanks!
Mary was the subject of our Advent study at noon today – a group of faithful women gathered to rest a minute and reflect – a lovely time together. I am drawn to her light and her hopefulness and her answer of Yes, Lord, send me.
And, hey, I’m another Mary Kathryn!
Blessings!
Roxane,
A beautiful post on Mary. She has been such a powerful woman in my own life. I have found the rosary a discipline I would like to make room for in my own day. Every time I say the rosary there is a feeling of peace.
-Jennifer, a friend of Mary Kathryn Aalgaard!