Here is the next blog in our Moments with Mary series

When I was a little girl of 8 or 9 years old my dad spent some time working in France. On one of his trips, he visited Lourdes and brough back some Holy Water for my sisters and me. I heard about the miracles that had happened in Lourdes and desired one of my own. I have worn glasses since I can remember, and back when I was in primary school, I was one of the only kids who did, meaning I would often get teased for it.

Even though I may sometimes struggle to get out of bed in the mornings, especially on cold winter days, I know that it is a gift to be able to rise early and spend the first part of my day with Jesus. I love being able to sit in silence with him, simply enjoying his presence, listening for his voice and allowing this to transform me.

Did you hear about the retreat we ran leading up to Pentecost?

Have a read to learn more - with a bonus reflection about lsitening to the Holy Spirit.

Wondering what the sisters have been up to?

Here are some mission snapshots from pre-lockdown adventures in Twnsville and Milton.

We are beginning a new series on our blog - Moments with Mary. In this first installment, we share something Therese originally wrote for our newsletter about Mary and obedience.

You may or may not have heard that recently I have been elected as leader of the MGL Sisters. Whilst I am humbled and honoured to serve the sisters, I am a little overwhelmed and truly relying on God’s grace to carry me through the next four years. We do have an AMAZING group of very capable, gifted, and beautiful women which eases my apprehension regarding the leadership role.   

Have a read of the latest blog in the Songs I Love series - Angela shares with us about a childhood favourite and how it encourages her in her journey with God even now. 

COVID became as real as can be when my Dad tested positive recently. God’s gift in this experience was a new bravery and courage, one I never knew I could ever have. The reality of not being able to care for him physically, not being there for my family full-time, and the possibility of death, created a sense of loss and helplessness. But like a fearful little child, I cried out loud to God and stretched my arms, asking him to carry me.

Now that National Vocations Awareness Week is drawing to a close, it may be helpful to take a minute to think about how God might be calling you to keep walking, that is, to keep journeying with him and asking the big questions about what he is calling you to in your life.

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. 

It fits well with our '3' theme. We have '3' pillars in our MGL life, and today Katherine shares about the gift of prayer, sisterhood and mission - as well as a mystery 4th pillar.

I grew up loving watching the Olympics whenever it was on TV. I always thought it would be amazing to be able to go and compete and would dream about being in multiple events as a superstar swimmer, fearless diver, graceful gymnast or high-flying pole-vaulter. Now this was never going to happen, and I knew this even as a child, because my talents definitely do not lie in any area remotely connected to any sport you can participate in at the Olympics.

In the 2019 Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit, Pope Francis opened by writing, ‘The very first words that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive’. (CV 1) I believe these words are significant because at the heart of discerning and discovering a vocation is the reality that we can only truly be alive when we discover ourselves in God, and choose to walk with faith, joy and trust along the path which he leads us.

On my recent retreat, I was led to pray with the story of the raising of the daughter of Jairus. I had an image where I pictured Jesus and Mary placing their hands on my head and saying the words to me, ‘Talitha Cum’, that is, little girl, get up. But before I share my reflections, have a read of the story.

You will have to be of a certain generation to know who Psalty the Singing Songbook is – and if you were to just see a picture, you might find him rather scary looking. If you are wondering who Psalty is, then think an early 80’s version of Veggie Tales – songs for kids to encounter Jesus and discover faith. I think I received my first Psalty album for my first communion and I loved it. I would sit at the cassette player and listen to it over and over, singing along (in an American accent just like Psalty) and also reciting by rote all the dialogue between songs.

In the blog we shared last week, I talked about journaling as a way of prayer after discovering the dictate function on my laptop. Now there are many ways we can journal but last week I shared the idea of asking God a question and listening for his response. If you haven't had the chance to read that, you might want to check it out before you read this one.

I've just found the dictate function on my new laptop so I'm starting out by speaking this blog rather than typing it. However, it got me thinking - I wonder how accurate it can be. So far it hasn't managed any punctuation, but it's typed exactly what I've said. I simply gone back and added the punctuation just so it is possible for you to read. And you know what I'm thinking now - just imagine if the words that started to appear on the screen we're not mine, but God's answers to my questions that I have for him at this time.

On Saturday May 29, two of Rosie's brothers - Stephen and Daniel - were ordained to the Priesthood. Here, in a reflection originally written for Catholic Outlook, Rosie shares about her own joy celebrating this day.

Eleven years ago, my brothers Daniel and Stephen surprised most of my family, including myself, by announcing they were joining a religious order, the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity. While I’ve had over a decade to get my head around the reality that two of the six brothers I’ve played sport and board games with and done farm chores alongside, and even occasionally fought with, were preparing to become priests, it was still surreal watching them be ordained.

Imagine the best view you have ever seen… where were you and what did you see?

Were you sitting on a beach and watching the constancy of the waves as they constantly broke upon the shore?

Had you climbed a mountain, rising to the top and looking out to see a panoramic view of trees, rivers, hills, cities and more?

Were you watching a sunrise or sunset, awestruck by the colours?

I have been particularly seeking to hear more from the Holy Spirit – the voice of God. I was on my 3-day solitude facing hectares of land of green trees and hills at Mt Carmel where the MGL Sisters in Sydney live.  It was a lovely, sunny day and was the second day of my solitude. God had been silent, but I was not worried about it because when I go on solitude, I always expect a conversation with him regarding what is on my heart or a particular situation in my life.

Here is another in our Songs I Love series.....

I am definitely a fan of musicals – one of my favourites is Starlight Express. In a nutshell, the plot centres around a whole heap of trains that are going to compete in a race. Each of them take a turn to tell their story through song. Whilst I love it all, the song that I want to share about today is called Freight. It features the freight trains and the coaches, who are arguing about whether it is better to carry cargo or passengers.

The celebration of my Perpetual Vows was every bit as beautiful as I imagined it would be.  Since joining the MGL Sisters in 2012 I’ve often wondered what this occasion, which in many respects is like a wedding day, would be like.  I got excited as a I designed invitations, chose a ring, planned the Mass and thought about things like music, decorations and having a cake to cut – it really felt like a wedding!  I was overwhelmed by love as family and friends travelled from all over to attend and pitched together to make it such a special occasion.  It felt very surreal to walk down the aisle as Mass began, carrying my candle and hearing the voices of everyone singing and realising what a massive moment in my life was taking place.

You may have missed it in our recent newsletter - Judy shared about the beautiful gift of consecration which we live as MGL Sisters. 

Nothing on earth could persuade a healthy young woman to give up all plans for marriage, career and individual freedom.  Yet Jesus, with a unique intimate invitation into ultimate eternal love, has persuaded many to make a life commitment to be given for God so that many others may come to know God’s love and experience life to the full.  This is always a miracle of grace.

Did you get a chance to check out our latest newsletter?

As the Easter Octave draws to a close, we join with Thomas and his experience with the Risen Jesus.

If I told you there in Japan, they grow square watermelons because they will stack better in the shops, would you believe me, or would you be filled with doubt? Leave that one in the back of your mind for a moment, and come with me on a journey with Thomas, commonly referred to as the doubter.

Today, once again, there is a very clear call to proclaim the Good News, to share the gift of our own story and relationship with Jesus with the whole world. This call to share what we have been given reminds me of a television show that was around a number of years ago.

Today, as we continue to ponder the Resurrection, we join Jesus on the beach as he eats breakfast with his disciples.