May
07
2022
By Anonymous (not verified)
By Maria V. Gallagher
She was newly-married and facing a colossal crisis. Her husband had fallen on hard times and lost his job. The financial situation was dire, hope seemed elusive, and she was pregnant.
The pregnancy was unplanned. It was a situation I would describe as a "Mary Moment" - a circumstance that parallels an incident in the life of the Blessed Mother. Like Mary at the Annunciation, the woman was facing the prospect of unexpected motherhood. And, like Mary, the woman discovered the grace to bring her baby into the world.
The delivery itself proved to be harrowing. Her labor came fast - too fast to make it to the hospital. With a doctor on the other end of the phone line providing instructions, her husband delivered the baby in a bedroom of their cramped apartment.
By the time the emergency squad arrived, the little family had already bonded. During the ride to the hospital, a medic told the woman he needed to record a name for the baby. He suggested "Danielle," in honor of her husband, Dan. But she had another idea. Not long before, she had watched the movie "The Sound of Music." In honor of the title character, and with a nod to the Blessed Mother, she named the baby "Maria."
And that is how I made it into this world.
Compassionate heart
As our nation observes Mother's Day, I am reminded of the tremendous courage and strength my mother showed during her life. She was the disciplinarian in the family, but she also had a compassionate heart. She was the one who volunteered to be a "room mother" to our class at school, bringing the cupcakes and the smiles to special occasions.
She also was the one who volunteered to be a playground monitor after an unfortunate incident in which an older child hit me in the school parking lot. My mother was the angel looking out for me, making sure I was safe.
My mother introduced me to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Growing up, I noticed that my mother frequently had her Rosary beads wrapped around her fingers, offering silent prayers for the intercession of Mother Mary. Through crisis after crisis, my mother turned to Mary for solace and inspiration. It was a heavenly habit she passed along to my younger sister and me.
My mother introduced me to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Growing up, I noticed that my mother frequently had her Rosary beads wrapped around her fingers, offering silent prayers for the intercession of Mother Mary. Through crisis after crisis, my mother turned to Mary for solace and inspiration. It was a heavenly habit she passed along to my younger sister and me.
My mother left this earthly realm more than a decade ago, but the lessons she taught have stayed with me. Foremost among her earthly instructions was to stay close to Jesus by cultivating a relationship with His mother.
Shortage of joy
During the lockdown phase of the pandemic in the city in which I live, I found myself unable to attend public worship - our churches were locked. I faithfully tuned into the Facebook Live presentations of the Mass at my parish, seeking spiritual sustenance. As I prayed, it occurred to me that there was a shortage of joy in the world - a dilemma that could be resolved if people turned to Mary.
I thought that people, especially women, could form a closer bond with the Blessed Mother if they focused on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. If they looked closely enough, they might discover the "Mary Moments" in their own lives and enjoy a richer relationship with Mary as a result.
Draw closer to Jesus
My creative concept came to life through the able assistance of Marian Press, giving rise to the new Marian Press book, Joyful Encounters with Mary: A Woman's Guide to Living the Mysteries of the Rosary. The book is designed to help women strengthen their relationship with Mary and, as a result, draw closer to Jesus. I pray that all my readers will find the joy their heart is searching for through a connection with Mary.
Whether you are a college co-ed, a new mother, or an empty nester, chances are you will find something to relate to in Joyful Encounters with Mary. The book is written for both personal reflection and for group study, so it is entirely possible for you to share your reading experience with like-minded people.
In Joyful Encounters with Mary, you will learn:
How to recognize the "Mary Moments" in your life;
How to grow in virtue by praying and pondering the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary;
How a collection of key saints connected with Mary;
How to achieve a joy which transcends the trials and tribulations of daily life.
My prayer for you this Mother's Day is that you will discover a whole new way to relate to our Blessed Mother, who longs to lead you to her Son Jesus. Consider also praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for your mother today, and for all maternal figures in your life-godmothers, spiritual mothers, or role models. May your "Mary Moments" be many, and may your joy abound!
Happy Mother's Day!
Illustration: Detail, "Madonna and Child" by Luca Signorelli, 1505-07; public domain, Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access.
JYMY
