Catholics learn from the time we are toddlers that Mary is a part of the Holy Family and the tender mother of Jesus. A short time later, it is revealed to us that she played a very significant role in Jesus’ conception, hence God becoming man. Mary’s fiat, her yes, when the angel appeared to her, asking her to become the mother of Our Lord, changed salvation history. Without her yes, the gates of heaven would have remained closed. And then, as if to be sure she was not forgotten, Jesus gave His Church, Mary, as our Mother, as he hung on the cross. Mary’s thorough dedication to her son, unquenchable love for God, and undeniable passion for Jesus’s work on earth, along with her profound holiness, provide us with an honorable example of how to live out our faith, serving the Lord in all we do.
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” – Luke 1:41-42.
Honoring Mary, as the Mother of our Lord, does nothing other than point us to Our Lord. Her eyes remained constantly fixed on Him during her life on earth, as well as, in heaven. Mary wants nothing more than for God to be gloried, for His work to be accomplished, and to grow apostles for Christ. And yet, some question Catholic’s supposed worship of Mary, believing it takes attention and focus away from Our Heavenly Father, who so rightly deserves our all. Catholics strive to give God the glory. Mary simply amplifies it. She is the vehicle through which His glory is magnified.
“And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.” -Luke 1: 46-48.
When Catholics pray, asking Mary to intercede, meaning take our prayers to the Lord, we are not asking Mary to answer our petitions, we are asking her to present them to her son with whom she has great favor. How can a son not answer his mother’s pleas? We place our requests in her hands to lovingly deliver them to God, so He might grant us special favor.
When my son was young, I questioned how I could possibly develop a devotion to Mary. The connection seemed to be amiss. However, a dear friend of mine explained her personal relationship with Mary to me. She shared that when she felt overwhelmed, or dismayed as a mother or wife, as a woman or friend, she would take it to Mary. With tenderness in her eyes, this genuine woman conveyed that Mary recognizes our plights as women. Mary understands the unique struggles of motherhood and the heart pains marriage, friendship, and families can produce. “Mary gets it,” she softly but boldly declared. That has stuck with me.
So, when I am suffering in my vocation as a wife and mother, or simply need to cry out from the depths of my heart to a woman who deeply appreciates the intricacies of being a woman and beloved daughter of God, I turn to Mary. I ask her to take my petitions to her son and plead for me. I implore her to offer me consolation as only a mother can do, taking me into her loving arms and nestling me close. The comfort I find in knowing that someone else really gets it, consoles the deepest parts of me despite my pain and struggles. This solace often brings me to a better place, lifting me up and allowing me to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and woman.
Call to Act: I encourage you sister to dig in and explore the beauty of Mary and her passionate love for each of us, as Our Heavenly Mother. If you have never felt much toward her, or simply do not understand the fascination with this lovely woman, pick up a book, listen to a podcast, reflect on one of her many titles, or ask another woman who you know has a devotion to Our Lady.
Praying the rosary and reflecting on the mysteries is a great place to begin. A beautiful book that helps me to dive into the complex mysteries of the rosary is: The Rosary: The Life of Jesus and Mary by Bob and Penny Lord. A concise, user friendly resource for learning to pray, or more effectively pray, the rosary is: https://rosaryarmy.com. This site provides a basic, but information packed, one page guide to praying the rosary. All the steps, prayers, and a visual aid are on one sheet. I have provided a list below of a few of my favorite resources to help you to better understand Mary.
My prayers are with you sister, as you uncover the greatness of the mother of Our Lord and dive into the beauty of her virtue and example for us all. Allow her tenderness to guide you and open your heart to allow her to serve you as a mother. She is the best mother ever born, God’s mother, and He has so generously shared her with each of us. Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us. Ask the Lord to infuse our hearts with His love and instill His grace deep within our hearts so that we may be bold enough to live His love in this world. Beg him to allow us to love those in this world as His earthly mother, Mary was able. Beseech Him to soften our hearts and lean into you as a mother, fellow woman, and disciple of Christ. We ask this through your Son, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help image is thought to have been created around the 13th-15th centuries. It resides in Rome in the Church of St. Alphonsus. Our Lady is represented holding the child Jesus. The Archangels, Michael and Gabriel, are above her shoulders. The artist portrays Jesus as he reflects on his forthcoming Passion and death. Jesus had run to Mary in fear and for comfort, loosing a shoe as he ran. The image reminds us that we too can seek refuge in Our Lady. We can come to her and be assured of her assistance. She is our Help. The star on her veil reminds us that she is both the Mother of God and our Mother. Learn more about her here: https://www.catholiccompany.com/the-meaning-behind-the-our-lady-of-perpetual-help-icon/
Favorite Marian Resources:
Prayer:
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Books:
The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics, Raphael Brown
Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross, Edward Sri
Podcast:
Abiding Together: Advent Series 2020: Season 8 Episodes 12-15, November 30, 2020-December 21, 2020