Our Perfect Mother – Introducing the “There is Something About Mary Series”

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have the perfect mother?  One who taught you how read the road map of life – to love God, love your neighbors, know the truth, and help you grow in virtue?

Not having a great model for this when I was growing up, I was always curious.  I realize now that my mother and stepmother provided me with many gifts, and they did the best they could, for which I am grateful.  As a mother myself, I know I did the best I could but was limited to the tools I had in my toolbox at the time.  My heart struggles to heal from the fact that I did not have the tools I have now.  I pray Smitten with Goodness helps build your toolbox with resources to live fully in Christ and to Be His Light. 

One of the best tools to have is to have a mentor or example to follow.  We have this in The Blessed Virgin Mary.  Mary is the perfect spiritual mother who teaches me, prays for me, and always shows me the way to her son. 

The Perfect Mother Mary

Last year Mary was my saint buddy.  As a convert, I never understood the Catholic Church’s fascination with her.  My husband has always had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, so I decided to check her out.  She has become for me the perfect model of who I want to be, a saint and a warrior.  I am learning so much from her, she is one of the many gifts God gives us to get closer to him in our ultimate quest. There is definitely something about Mary!

One of her key word of advice to us is Pray, Pray, Pray.  She asks us to pray the Rosary, the prayer she gave the world centuries ago which is a combination of vocal and mental prayer.  The Rosary is a tool for meditation and contemplative prayer.  Mary has appeared in various parts of the world (referred to as apparitions) in which she has brought her message of hope to and for us.  

May is when we honor our spiritual mother, Mary, with a special emphasis on the beautiful gift of the Rosary.  There are many resources out there to learn more about the Rosary, how to pray the Rosary and the secrets of the Rosary.  There are many communities where you can pray daily this month with others, including a live streamed Rosary at the 30 Marian Shrines (12pm ET), The Rosary with Bishop Barron, The Franciscan Friars, or Many Hail Marys At A Time.  Additionally, Pope Francis has announced a rosary initiative for an end to the coronavirus pandemic during the month of May.  I always keep a good one page “cheat sheet” with me for reference. As a Smitten With Goodness community member pointed out, scientists have discovered that the breathing you naturally fall into when saying the rosary stimulates your nervous system to relax and focus. I am sure it is no coincidence!

During the month of May, Smitten with Goodness will honor Mary by hosting “There is Something About Mary Series” where will unpack Marian prayers, like the Rosary, daily.  I invite you to take a few minutes each day to ponder, pray, and reflect so we can act as His light in our world.  We launch the series today with the Memorare. 

May we be smitten with the goodness of great role models,

Cynthia

The Memorare is a prayer that reminds us that we have a wonderful advocate and protector in the mother of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. In our prayers to her we honor and worship her Son, who is more than happy to listen to His mother’s pleas on our behalf.

Pray:  The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.  Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.  O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.  Amen.

Reflect: 

Blessed Mother, my heart is full of the discovery of you as my spiritual mother.  You have taught me about the life of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and how to grow in faith, hope and charity.  Thank you for always being there when I need you, especially at night when my monkey brain is at work.  When I am worried, I feel your assistance and your grace.  I have been grateful to borrow your heart this past year and see the world through your eyes.  You are always faithful to your children and are here when I get lost, pointing the way to your Son.  The whispers of “Mary worship” I heard in my youth before I became Catholic have all been dispelled.  I have confidence that you are always here to help me when I get lost, and that you will always help and intercede for me. Please take my prayers, add to them, and bring them to your Son.  And I know your Son Jesus listens to His mother! 

Act:  Invite the Blessed Mother to help when you feel troubled in your daily life.

Inspire with your life. Words convince minds, but actions change hearts.