In a time of discernment, it is a gift to have Mary by our side. Today Rachel shares 3 ways Mary has journeyed with her.
- Seed of faith through family
We were not the kind of family that said the rosary every night before bed as I was growing up. However, I’ve learnt so much from my mother and grandmother who have an incredible relationship with Mary and have encouraged me to seek her guidance by praying the rosary.
- Consecration to Jesus through Mary
During my time of discernment, there was a part of me that didn’t know what to do when one of my closest friends shared with me that he wanted to be in relationship with me. In my time of confusion, I felt led to detach by giving Mary all of myself through the 33 days of total consecration to Jesus through Mary. She seeks to use our sufferings and teaches us that when we surrender to God, we are set free to love others and ourselves, not in a selfish way but for the greater glory of God. Towards the end of my consecration, God’s call on my life became much clearer and I felt more joy and peace as I imagined myself consecrated to him.
- Mary, standing at the Cross with Jesus
In discovering my vocation, at times it has felt difficult to pray. God seemed distant and silent. It felt like he had given up on me and I didn’t feel like praying. It is so reassuring knowing Mary is our mother of silence, that even in moments of pain she is always there for us. Together with Jesus she knew what it felt like to have her heart pierced and she reminds us that at the Cross, she was doing what she was called to do for the salvation of the world.
Rachel Fleurant