I've had a devotion to Our Lady for as long as I can remember. I have fond memories of learning about the importance of having a Marian Devotion, whether at conferences, retreats, or spending time in prayer with the family.
I also remember learning about Our Lady through my Catholic education and spirituality.
I was recently reading scripture, and one part, in particular, is a favorite. John 19:26-27(DRB) says:
When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.
This part in John's Gospel always stuck out to me because it was at this moment in history where Our Lady becomes our spiritual mother, and we become her children.
I want to encourage others to get to know Mary and her various titles. Don't be afraid to pray to her and ask for her intercession.
Our Lady loves us and wants to lead us to her son.
One saying that is often attributed to St. Louis De Montfort in his work, True Devotion to Mary, is:
To Jesus Through Mary
We often hear those words throughout preparation for Total Consecration.
Whether we pray the Rosary, wear a brown scapular, wear a miraculous medal, or even have an icon displayed in our home, Mary is always present alongside her son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Marian devotion is very important no matter where you're at in the spiritual life.
I chose to write about Our Lady for my first post on Missio Dei because Mary has and continues to play a very important part in my own life.
While writing this post, I am reminded of my mother, Julie Sales, who died on November 3rd, 2012, at the age of 50, from a heart attack in her sleep.
I am very grateful to my Mom, Nana, and many others along the way who helped me learn about the importance of having a devotion to Mary, Our Mother.
In closing, I'd like to leave you with the words we find on the Miraculous medal:
O Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us who have recourse to thee.
This is a lovely tribute to our Mother on her birthday. And I'm praying an Ave Maria for the repose of the soul of your mother.
Mary is the exemplar saint, and our window into lives of our sainted family and friends, along with all the celebrity saints we know so well. The position of Mary is not lost on me as Queen Mother of God, the bearer of the Son of God. Her place among the saints raises all boats in our modern jargon. The saints we honor and call upon do indeed know us, too. It's a remarkable revelation for our realm.
Thank you, Joe, for reminding me of this treasured reach from Heaven.