It was with a chuckle of recognition that I read Father Joseph DeFrancisco’s account of his family’s devotion to Mary (May 27 edition). In fact, he was commenting on his family’s dedication to heavenly realities through the mother of God. Father’s own vocation testifies to the grace produced because of the guidance of a wise mother.
I grew up in Chicago in an environment similar to Father’s, but my heritage is Polish. My dad died when I was 9 and my mother took her twin daughters faithfully to Our Mother of Perpetual Help novena every Tuesday night. In fact, we went willingly even throughout our teen years. At age 23 I married, moved out and succumbed to other influences. My attendance at Mass halted for a number of years.
In 1988, I caught wind of reports of Mary appearing in Medjugorje. She said the world was in trouble and needed our help. I started praying as Mary asked and found myself on a spiritual journey that I wouldn’t trade for all of Donald Trump’s earthly empire. Mary led me directly to the heart of her son.
Father’s beautiful reflections on Mary’s role in the Church give us an intellectual picture of the woman God chose for a premier part in his plan of salvation. We need to take the next step, to open our hearts to Mary, who reflects and reveals Jesus to all who are open to her wisdom.
Today’s apparitions disclose a mother who is saddened by our rejection of her son’s true love. God’s tender mercy allows her to call us to a true and tangible love. My heart bursts with gratitude to Mary.
Please take time today to reflect on the direction in which our world is going. I believe God has a plan and that Mary is our hope.
Christine Migiel
Bettendorf
