Mary, Our Guide

I am delighted to join the Bright Maidens again, and return to the topic of Mary. How many of us really do listen for the voice of God in our lives as Mary did? How does the story of the Annunciation and Virgin Birth help us reflect and reevaluate how we listen to God in the very ordinary moments of our lives?

This weekend I was at our parish Spring fest, listening to a rock and roll band, and sharing a beer with my husband’s Brother Knights and their wives. We were talking about how God speaks to us if we have ears to listen and the willingness to act on His Words. One of the ladies shared the story of her daughter who was born premature and was so tiny her baptismal gown was made from a men’s silk handkerchief. This daughter is healthy, now grown with children of her own. Another friend spoke of how a young charismatic priest ,after hearing her teach catechism to a classroom of fifth graders, asked her to help form a youth group at our church. Now, our church has a vibrant youth and young adult ministry.

And, I told them my story about a little girl named Mary. She is eight years old, and last month she celebrated her First Holy Communion. Mary lives with her Mommy, Daddy, brother, and sister in Germany. Even though, she lives 3,000 miles away from me, she is very special to me. She is my namesake, she is my godchild, and she is the reason I am a practicing my Catholic faith today.

In 2002, I received a call from my friend, Stephanie. At the time, she was expecting her second child. It was early on in the pregnancy, and the sex of the baby was unknown, however she had experienced a dream that she wanted to share with me. In this dream, she had delivered a baby girl and named her Mary Renee. Mary is my name and Renee is her sister-in-law, who at 32, was losing the battle against brain cancer. Stephanie also asked me to be the godmother of this child.

Naturally I was flattered by the name choice, however when I got off the phone I began to wonder, “What am I going to do?” At the time, I was not attending Church. Although, I was raised Catholic and graduated from an all-girls’ Catholic high school, I had not practiced my faith in years. My husband and I were married in a civil ceremony. Our religious attendance was limited to funerals, weddings, and the annual Christmas cantata performed at the local Baptist church my in-law attended.

Yet, I knew deep down in my soul I was a Catholic. When I received the news the baby was indeed a girl, I knew I had to act, even if I did not feel the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I called the local Catholic Church, and made an appointment with the nun who was charge of Adult Faith Formation. Her name was Sister Regina. She directed me to join the Landings Program, a lay ministry that welcomes inactive Catholics back to the practice of their faith. My husband and I had our marriage blessed. In 2004, Rick entered the Church on Easter Vigil confirming his baptismal vows and making a professional of faith.

Like Mary, we are called by God to listen, to trust, and to obey as he guides us in our vocation in life. Like Mary, we must say yes even if the request seems unusual, uncomfortable or knock us out of our comfort zone. She, most of all, teaches us that only through the power of Holy Spirit, can do the work of Jesus Christ.

Salve Regina. Ava Maria.

Comments

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What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing.

Posted by: kyooty | 05/17/2011 at 11:59 AM

Wow, beautiful story Mary! I love the part about how deep down, you knew you were Catholic. I think a lot of us feel that way, even the non-catholics. They want to be part of the bigger part of Christendom, even when they go elsewhere. Thank you for sharing, and for participating. :)

Posted by: Julie @ The Corner With A View | 05/17/2011 at 01:36 PM

God Bless you my friend. My Mary has a wonderful role model in you along with the Blessed Virgin Mary!

Posted by: Stephanie | 05/18/2011 at 12:19 AM