Marian Mondays

With a month of prayer behind me, and this blog beginning to take shape, I am pleased to introduce a new weekly posting, which I will refer to as “Marian Mondays”  (better than “Mondays with Mary,” I suppose…). As my devotion to Our Blessed Mother deepens through my communion with her in the Holy Rosary, I feel drawn to writing more about Mary’s role in my faith, in the faith of the Church, and in our lives. For many of my readers—especially those from faith traditions other than Catholicism—there are questions, and wonderings, and even concerns about what they might consider the Catholic “idolatry” of Mary. While it is not my intention to unequivocally refute these questions and concerns, I hope to promote greater understanding of the personal role of the Blessed Virgin in my life—one which involves logical and rational thought, study of the Scriptures, and Church doctrine—but also one that transcends these domains of the brain and reason and fills the heart, soul, and body. This, too, is important to consider, as we worship the Lord not just with our minds, but with our hearts, souls, and bodies—and contemplation of the Blessed Mother, always begins and ends with Christ. She is a model of His love and suffering. She is the holy vessel inherent to His Incarnation. She is a virgin of transforming virtue and quality. She is our Mother.

So, why pray the Rosary? Before I can even think to begin answering that question (which believe me, I have been asked a few times at this point!), the preliminary question might be, “So, why pray to Mary?” That’s where we will start, over the next few Mondays. While I am no expert scholar, no “Mariologist” if you will, I will try to do my best. Along the way, I will discuss my personal encounter with Mary in the grotto at Lourdes. In this, as in all things, I ask the Lord for guidance in thought and word, that this blog and these reflections may be pleasing to Him and beneficial to those who read.  And for those of you who do read this, I would love to hear your thoughts as we go along.  Feel free to leave comments and ask questions.  I look forward to hearing from you!