Courtney McGrailMary’s motherly care strengthens faith
Maria Fogarty
An upcoming young adults’ conference organised by the Legion of Mary poses the following question – Why is there something about Mary? As followers of Christ it is an essential part of our faith that we reflect and contemplate Mary’s role, as our heavenly mother and the helper of our salvation. How do we as members of the Body of Christ, recompense Mary for her great gift to us?
Ideas are plentiful, but I’ve come to the firm belief the most important offering of all is prayer and loving service, which Mary herself has directly requested.
Fortunately, Mary has always been a presence in my life, from childhood through to my adult years. By the Grace of God, there was always a deep reverence and loyalty to Mary in our family home, hence my parents naming me after her.
However, for far too long, my knowledge of Mary covered the basics and what I would now regard as peripheral. Through my parents, teachers and pastors, I learned of the virtues and influence of the Mother of God, but overall the teaching was incomplete, as I was yet to form my own personal relationship with her.
That all changed on September 8, 2012, when I was leaving Mass on a sunny Saturday morning and got chatting with a member of the Legion of Mary, who enquired if I would be interested in volunteering with their Regina Coeli Hostel.
My initial response was; I had to think about it. Within a day I realised there was nothing to think about, this was something I felt compelled to try, as it was Mary herself who was inviting me.
Blessing
Since that faithful day, I have never looked back. Becoming a member of Mary’s Army of Legionaries has proved to be a supreme blessing in my life. She took me by the hand and introduced me to a wonderful community of faithful Catholics. I can honestly attest that through her motherly care and powerful intercession, Mary has strengthened my faith, imbued my soul with a devotion to the Holy Rosary, developed my understanding of Catholic teaching and lovingly provides much needed spiritual fuel for my pilgrim journey.
Over the past 18 months my eyes have been opened wide to the beauty of our shared faith and traditions, helping me to live the Gospel more authentically. Mary also prepares and schools me to share my faith with others, allowing me to make my individual contribution to the Church’s mission of evangelisation.
As if all those graces weren’t enough, Mary has also deemed me worthy to help in her hostel for homeless women. The hostel is managed solely by female volunteers; some work full time, others part time, some just one evening or night a week. We all do our bit which has helped develop a real collaborative and friendly atmosphere among our volunteers.
Whether a person can give two hours or 20 hours a week, as a volunteer in Regina Coeli (or the Morning Star Hostel for men), one comes to understand, appreciate and actively live the virtue of Christian charity. In making ourselves available to her in prayer and service, we receive the abundant graces she longs to bestow on us.
Wisdom
The Legion of Mary handbook, that precious treasury of wisdom, tells us that Mary welcomes eagerly anyone who will place themselves at her disposal, and she will utilise them one and all.
It seems fitting to finish a piece on Mary and her divinely assigned role with the words of the Legion Apostolate founder, Frank Duff, Servant of God. In his book Mary Shall Reign, Frank explains the vital importance of making Mary known throughout the world and the inherent benefits for all mankind in doing so.
For all the guys and gals who can make this highly anticipated youth conference at the end of August, Frank’s description is the perfect reflection to kick-start an amazing weekend of speakers, workshops, prayer and music and I look forward to seeing you all there! “We must tell the world about her: the virgin most great: this virgin most essential: this co-operator in salvation both in its roots and in its fruits: the woman through whom Our Lord came on earth and without whom He would not have come – the New Eve beside the New Adam.”
The 13th annual Catholic Youth Conference organised by the Legion of Mary will be held in All Hallows, Dublin on the weekend of August 30-31. The conference caters for young adults from 18-40 years and offers a full programme of talks, testimonies, liturgies, social interaction, workshops and Confession. The focus is on the question 'Why is there something about Mary?' and speakers include Fr John Harris OP, Marion Carroll (cured in Knnock), editor of The Irish Catholic, Michael Kelly; and the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown will celebrate Mass. Contact Liam on 086 888 8918.