A few years before I gave birth to my daughter, I had consecrated myself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, using the method popularized by St. Louis-Marie de Montfort. The consecration meant that I had handed over my temporal goods and my spiritual blessings to the Blessed Mother with the hope of drawing closer to not only Mary but to Jesus as well. Mary was my guide throughout my pregnancy, and I prayed that she would also steer my course as I began caring for my lovely baby girl.
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” ~Luke 1:30
While my earthly mother had said I was named for the title character in “The Sound of Music,” she also made it clear to me when I was a child that Jesus’ mother was my patron saint. I cannot remember a time when I did not love Mary and all that she represented: gentleness...sweetness...holiness. So, when it came time to see my baby face-to-face; I knew I had to share that unforgettable moment with the Blessed Mother.
As I grew older, however, I felt embarrassed to call upon Mary to intercede on my behalf. She was the epitome of holiness; I was a sinner desperately in need of a Savior. I felt as if my sins had become a barrier to my relationship with Mary. I was too embarrassed to seek healing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and I envisioned her giving me a stern look, as if to say, “I am disappointed in you.”
In fact, it was hard for me to shake the image of Mary being angry with me until I finally went to Confession and rid myself of my guilt. Afterward I felt as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from my soul. While I still felt a bit tarnished, I soon resumed praying a daily Rosary, begging Mary to intervene in my life. That daily Rosary eventually led to my Consecration, which proved to be a turning point in my journey as a Catholic.
I came to realize that Mary loved me as a beloved daughter and that I could turn to her in any crisis. I ultimately gave Mary the knots of my life and asked her to undo them, as I had once asked my earthly mother to undo the knots in my shoelaces. The more I prayed for Mary’s intercession, the more I began to trust in her. I knew that, as Jesus’ mother, she had a direct line to God. My prayers were safe in her holy hands.
I may be a grown-up, but I know that I need my heavenly mother. She is my North Star; she shines a light on my path, helping me to negotiate both the peaks and valleys of life. Particularly in those moments when I am frightened of the future, she comes to my rescue, giving me comfort in the midst of my storms.
Whether you enjoyed a rich, loving relationship with your own earthly mother, or you experienced a great deal of heartache with regard to the woman who raised you, you too can find consolation in the arms of the Blessed Mother. Her love is abundant and true and can soothe the hurts you have weathered in your life. You need only turn to her and ask for her help.
The baby girl I long ago entrusted to Mary’s care is now a beautiful young woman of great grace and dignity. I have to believe that the Blessed Mother had something to do with that. Who knows what miracles may come your way, if you request Mary’s intercession?
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