Sunday, September 8, 2024

Mary's Birthday



October 8, 1955

Dear Diary,

This morning’s walk to Church was peaceful as always, with Mini happily trotting by my side, her bottom wiggling with excitement. Sister Mary Claire walked ahead, her habit swaying in the morning breeze, while I carried the Gospel readings in hand. When we arrived, Mini was all business, eager to greet everyone with her signature paw shakes. She managed to charm quite a few parishioners, bringing smiles to all who bent down to meet her.

Father LeRoy read from the Gospel of Mark 7:31-37, a passage that speaks so profoundly of healing and miracles. “Ephphatha!”—“Be opened”—with that single word, Jesus restored hearing and speech to a man burdened by both deafness and muteness. It was a moment of awe, reminding us of Christ's tender love and power. But today, Father Leroy dedicated his homily to something even more personal and beautiful: the birthday of Our Blessed Mother.

He reminded us that today is exactly nine months after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the day we celebrate Mary being conceived without sin in St. Anne’s womb. What a joy it is to know that her life began in purity, setting her apart as the perfect vessel for God’s will. Father's words made me feel close to her, reminding us all to call on her intercession, just as she cared for Jesus with such devotion.

Later in the afternoon, I packed a small lunch and headed to the cave for some quiet time. There’s something so peaceful about being in that sanctuary, knowing that John Hathaway once found solace there too. His memories and my own seem to intertwine in the stillness, and I know he would be pleased to see his space used with such care and reflection. It’s become a place where I can think, pray, and feel truly connected to both the past and the present.

As the day drew to a close, Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and I retreated to the prayer wagon for our evening prayers. We spoke softly, thanking God for His presence in our lives. The radio hummed in the background, and as we began to doze off, Bishop Barron’s voice came through, delivering a homily on the Gospel reading from earlier today. He spoke about how Jesus not only restored the man's hearing but gave him the ability to speak freely and clearly, emphasizing that Christ’s miracles are signs of His power to transform every aspect of our lives.

Listening to Bishop Barron, I felt the message settle deep within me: Christ longs to open our ears and hearts, to free us from whatever holds us back. As we drifted into sleep, his words lingered, reminding me that with God’s grace, all things are possible, and every day we have the chance to be opened anew.

O Mary of Grace and Mother of God, may I tread in the paths that the righteous have trod. 

Happy Birthday dear Mother Mary.  I love you so so much.

Amen.


Love,
Kathy






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