Day 26 :: 31 Days With Mary—Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Day 26 :: 31 Days With Mary—Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Originally posted July 16, 2015 My family’s relationship with Our Lady of Mount Carmel began five years ago when my oldest daughter was entering second grade. Days leading up to Our Lady’s feast day on July 16, she asked me if she would be enrolled in the [Confraternity of the] Brown Scapular, after she received her First Holy Communion. I was blown away by her question, because I didn’t know she knew what that meant! I barely knew what that meant! When I made…

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Day 25 :: 31 Days With Mary—Favorite Mystery of the Rosary

Day 25 :: 31 Days With Mary—Favorite Mystery of the Rosary

Prayer is powerful beyond limits when we turn to the Immaculata who is queen even of God’s heart. —Saint Maximilian Kolbe— Do you have a favorite mystery of the Rosary? One that causes more reflection and contemplation in your prayer life? One that makes you slow down during prayer and savor every moment? Recently, I was asked this same question, and I have to admit, I was a bit stumped. I had never thought about a favorite mystery. Quickly, I…

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Day 24 :: 31 Days With Mary—Renewing Devotion

Day 24 :: 31 Days With Mary—Renewing Devotion

When people love and recite the rosary they find it makes them better. —St. Anthony Mary Claret— Feast Day: Oct. 24 There is one week left in this 31-day writing challenge. It has not been easy, but I am so glad I am doing it. Thinking and writing about Our Blessed Mother has renewed my devotion to her. While I have not forgotten her significant role in our Church and my own life, I have felt as if I have received the…

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Day 23 :: 31 Days With Mary—Hail Mary

Day 23 :: 31 Days With Mary—Hail Mary

Some days, all I have to offer is one, simple Hail Mary. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Day 22 :: 31 Days With Mary—Marian Consecration

Day 22 :: 31 Days With Mary—Marian Consecration

Today is Day 22 of this 31-day writing challenge! Today also is the feast day of an incredible—and brand new—saint: St. John Paul II. St. John Paul II is known as a “Marian giant,” meaning he had great devotion to Our Blessed Mother and taught prolifically on her role in our faith. In fact, the motto of his entire 27-year papacy was Totus Tuus, which is Latin for totally yours, referencing his belonging to Our Lady, and based on the…

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Day 20 :: 31 Days With Mary—Take It to the Queen

Day 20 :: 31 Days With Mary—Take It to the Queen

Take It to the Queen by Josephine Nobisso is an absolutely beautiful story! About six years ago, we actually found it at our library (surprise!), and it has since become a favorite of our family’s. It is an allegory of the role Our Blessed Mother plays in salvation history. The story, on its own, is delightful, but the theological symbols that are woven throughout make the tale that much more rich and meaningful. (A great explanation of all the theological insight in…

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Day 19 :: 31 Days With Mary—@Pontifex

Day 19 :: 31 Days With Mary—@Pontifex

I have been struggling with some health changes that I need to make. But I have such internal conflict. On one hand, I want to make these changes, because I know I will feel better. On the other hand, I don’t want to make these changes, because they are so drastic and unconventional. I have moments of clarity and hope. But they can be so fleeting, I can’t grab hold of them long enough to create some good habits. And sometimes, well,…

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Day 18 :: 31 Days With Mary—St. Luke

Day 18 :: 31 Days With Mary—St. Luke

Today, is the Feast of St. Luke, who is one of the Gospel writers as well as the author of Acts of the Apostles. Luke is known for having a close connection with the Blessed Mother and receiving much of what he included in his writings from her. He also is known to have painted images of Jesus and Mary. He is the patron saint of artists, brewers, butchers, doctors, notaries, painters, physicians and surgeons. According to Catholic Online, “It is…

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Day 17 :: 31 Days With Mary—His and Hers

Day 17 :: 31 Days With Mary—His and Hers

Originally published on Dec. 29, 2010. Remembering the story of some special Rosaries on the 17th day of 31 Days With Mary, during this Month of the Rosary. My husband and I attend a silent Ignatian retreat every year (separately, of course). The order of priests and brothers that puts on the retreat has a strong devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, which has granted them (and all those associated with them) the same merits that a traditional Rosary grants. Part of the retreat’s prayer…

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