Mary, My Mother

By: Missionary Team

I didn't grow up in the most "Catholic" of homes. The only prayer that we prayed as a family was before meals, and that was only on Sundays when we ate as a family. I went to CCD growing up, but my parents said that I didna have to go to Mass because CCD was enough. Needless to say, I was uneducated because my parents were also uneducated. We were Catholic because we were Italian -it was culture, not lifestyle.

I remember the first time I heard about Our Lady of Guadalupe. I must have been in 7th or 8th grade when I heard the amazing story of Juan Diego and the Blessed Mother. I was amazed by the grace, protection, and depth of Our Lady. Even more so, I was amazed that the miracles in that apparition still exist today. Truthfully, Our Lady of Guadalupe was the first miracle that I actually believed in. Sure, I knew about the miracles of Jesus Christ found in Scripture, but I wasn't convinced. However, when I encountered the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, it was like I was hearing and seeing for the first time. I was awestruck by her, and because of her, by her Son.

"Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety, or pain. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?"

These words from Our Lady of Guadalupe are something that I needed to hear as a Middle School aged kid, but also as a young adult. These words are consoling and comforting. These words bring calm to my heart, and they will bring calm to yours as well. The Blessed Mother is exactly that, OUR MOTHER. She's so tangible and real. She is present and protective. Be in relationship with her.

A few years ago, I was struggling with my earthly mother. I was frustrated with her and allowed our relationship to be filled with friction and judgment. However, I look back on that time in my life with so much gratitude. That friction with my earthly mother was one of the greatest gifts of my life; because it was then that I made a Consecration to Jesus through Mary. It was then that I finally accepted Mary as my eternal Mother. Over the years, she has popped up in my life over and over again, specifically through Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mary is so intentional and everything she does brings us to her Son. Get to know her, I guarantee you will not regret it.

If you haven't heard the beautiful story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, you can learn more here: Our Lady of Guadalupe