December 10, 1955
Dear Diary,
The day began early with a thin frost sparkling over the fields, the cold nipping at my cheeks as I fed the chickens and gathered their eggs. Mini trotted alongside me, her little bottom wagging cheerfully as she sniffed at the icy grass. The Advent season fills the air with a quiet anticipation, and today was no exception. After chores, Sister Mary Claire and I walked to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass. It was chilly, but the crisp air felt invigorating as we prayed along the gravel road, repeating the same prayer we always do: “O Mary of Grace and Mother of God, may I tread in the paths that the righteous have trod!”
The homily touched upon Mary’s role in salvation history, and I couldn’t wait to discuss it further with Sister Mary Claire. After lunch—simple vegetable soup and bread—we spent the afternoon keeping warm by the fire. Mini curled up on her blanket, dozing softly, her little squeaky ball resting beside her.
As the firelight danced on the walls, I brought up the topic of the Immaculate Conception, eager to learn more. Sister Mary Claire smiled, her eyes bright as she began to explain. “Kathy,” she said, “the Immaculate Conception means that Mary, from the moment of her creation, was preserved free from original sin by the grace of God. This was necessary because she was to be the mother of Jesus, God made man.”
She opened the book we’d been reading together and continued, “It’s like how a spotless chalice is prepared to hold the Precious Blood at Mass. God, in His infinite wisdom and love, ensured that Mary would be free from all stain of sin, making her the perfect dwelling place for Jesus. Her sinlessness wasn’t for her glory alone, but to magnify the glory of God.”
I thought about how much God must have loved Mary to grant her such a gift. Mini stirred, her ears perking up as if she were listening, too. Sister Mary Claire reached over and gently scratched her head, saying, “Even little creatures like Mini are part of God’s creation, but Mary was something special—a new Eve who said ‘yes’ to God without hesitation.”
The evening closed with quiet prayer. Sister Mary Claire and I knelt by the fire with Mini at our feet, her warmth a comforting presence. We prayed together:
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. You are the pure and perfect Mother of God, chosen to bring salvation into the world. Teach us to follow your example of humility and faith. Protect us under your mantle, and help us always to say ‘yes’ to God’s will. Amen.”
As I climbed into bed, Mini hopped onto her little spot beneath the quilt at my feet. My heart felt full, and the quiet of the night seemed a reflection of Mary’s gentle spirit.
Tomorrow, I’ll try to live like her—pure, humble, and always trusting in God’s plan.
The homily touched upon Mary’s role in salvation history, and I couldn’t wait to discuss it further with Sister Mary Claire. After lunch—simple vegetable soup and bread—we spent the afternoon keeping warm by the fire. Mini curled up on her blanket, dozing softly, her little squeaky ball resting beside her.
As the firelight danced on the walls, I brought up the topic of the Immaculate Conception, eager to learn more. Sister Mary Claire smiled, her eyes bright as she began to explain. “Kathy,” she said, “the Immaculate Conception means that Mary, from the moment of her creation, was preserved free from original sin by the grace of God. This was necessary because she was to be the mother of Jesus, God made man.”
She opened the book we’d been reading together and continued, “It’s like how a spotless chalice is prepared to hold the Precious Blood at Mass. God, in His infinite wisdom and love, ensured that Mary would be free from all stain of sin, making her the perfect dwelling place for Jesus. Her sinlessness wasn’t for her glory alone, but to magnify the glory of God.”
I thought about how much God must have loved Mary to grant her such a gift. Mini stirred, her ears perking up as if she were listening, too. Sister Mary Claire reached over and gently scratched her head, saying, “Even little creatures like Mini are part of God’s creation, but Mary was something special—a new Eve who said ‘yes’ to God without hesitation.”
The evening closed with quiet prayer. Sister Mary Claire and I knelt by the fire with Mini at our feet, her warmth a comforting presence. We prayed together:
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. You are the pure and perfect Mother of God, chosen to bring salvation into the world. Teach us to follow your example of humility and faith. Protect us under your mantle, and help us always to say ‘yes’ to God’s will. Amen.”
As I climbed into bed, Mini hopped onto her little spot beneath the quilt at my feet. My heart felt full, and the quiet of the night seemed a reflection of Mary’s gentle spirit.
Tomorrow, I’ll try to live like her—pure, humble, and always trusting in God’s plan.
You too can read from Sister Mary Claire's book about the
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