My Rosary Story: Mary, a Spiritual Mother for Us All

Lisa Hendey explores how the Rosary invokes Mary over and over to be a part of our lives.

When I wrote A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms, I was seeking companions for my motherly journey. It felt so completely naturally to begin with the Blessed Virgin Mary. For many of us, she is “mother,” drawing us ever closer to her son Jesus. Her words at his first miracle, the wedding feast of Cana, “Do whatever he tells you,” are a master class in discipleship for us. Over time, she has come again and again to draw us into right relationship with God and with one another.

My favorite artistic rendering of Mary, entitled “The Polish Madonna,” depicts Mary hanging laundry as a tender Christ child plays at her feet. In this simple image, I find the mother who is both companion and caretaker. In her simplicity, in her focus on a primary task of her vocation, in her gaze upon her son, she gives me hope and purpose in my own parenting. Our lives as moms are filled with many tasks, big and little, and all of them have virtue and merit, even laundry!

These days, when my own mother is struggling mightily with health care issues and my role has enlarged to become one of her caretakers, I turn often to Mary in prayer for the courage and strength and patience to live out this aspect of my own fiat. This particular “Yes,” to lovingly provide emotional, financial and hands-on care for my parents, often feels daunting. But their favorite prayer of the Rosary, the one they still recite together daily even in infirmity, invokes Mary over and over to be a part of our lives. We do not walk this journey alone. We have a communion of saints, Mary among them, to carry us along when we feel overpowered by our burdens.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!

A Tool for You:

Every day, people around the world gather on Instagram at 6:45 AM Central time for a communal prayer of the Rosary at the ManyHailMarysAtATime account. If you have longed to begin a practice of praying the Rosary but find that you struggle, joining this life-giving community may be the perfect answer for you. If you’re unable to join live to pray, simply click on the story to view a recording of the live Rosary.

A Thought to Ponder:

How is Mary a mother to you in your day-to-day journey? How does her company bless you in moments when you struggle as a mother or as a child of God? What are your favorite ways to connect with Mary in prayer?

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What are your favorite ways to connect with Mary in prayer? #catholicmom

Look for a new Rosary Story each day throughout October, and use the hashtag #myrosarystory to share yours on social media!

Copyright 2020 Lisa M. Hendey
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Lisa Hendey originally shared this article in 2019.