By Sr. Mary Catherine
Angeline, O.Carm
When I
was growing up, May was the most beautiful and wonderful month for me. My mother led and I followed. She would prepare ahead of time a beautiful
hand sewn “mantle” to dress a lovely statue of Mary we had in the home. It was always a white shiny material and
lace, decked out with small sparkling gems, gold trimmings very tastefully
made. During May, Mary took her “throne”
in our home on the dining room buffet table.
Mother would place books under another white piece of fabric and place
the statue on top to give the impression Mary was on “clouds”. There were fresh
grown and cut flowers decorating her right and left.
Every
night in our home we prayed the family rosary right after dinner. But in May the rosary was even more special
for me. See, at school, after recess we
would sit on the grass in front of a large statue of Mary outside the convent
and recite the rosary there as we sang hymns to her. On inclement days we would say it in the
classrooms. At our daily Mass in May we
also sang many beautiful hymns to Mary.
I loved this and learned many songs that are no longer in use – they are
prayer/poems for me now.
As a
child the actions of adults speak louder than words. My mother would try to be more loving, kind,
patient, and joyful in imitation of Mary.
So it was easy to also try to imitate both my mother and Mary from an
early age. With words, Mother would
always remind us of poor souls to be saved, to show Jesus we loved Him.
Through
the years these memories have remained the foundation of a much grown and
developed love and devotion to Mary, Jesus’ mother and mine. Yes, I still love
the rosary and hymns to Mary and miss the pomp and fashion that used to be in
her honor. But the imitation of her
virtues, especially her docility, obedience, love, strength and gentleness,
still follow me day in and out as I strive to love Our Lord and others in a
multitude of ways. Thank you for the
strong foundation!
May you rest in
peace, Mom! Mary, my Mother, please pray to Jesus for me.
What a most beautiful tribute to your Mother and the Blessed Mother. I was so moved when you said it was easy to also try to imitate both my mother and Mary from an early age. I can not imagine any greater gift. I am so happy you imitate her heavenly virtues for you can give the gift of our holy mother's love and presence, her peace, joy and gentle kindness to everyone you meet. You have such a glowing, radiant countenance and cheerful spirit. Thank you for sharing you beautiful reflections and memories. I have to tell you my favorite May crowning was when I was in the second grade....I had just made my first Holy Communion. The sisters would select two girls to carry the train of the 8th grade girl who would crown Our Lady and she would always wear her mother's wedding gown for the occasion. Our May crownings were to die for! This was a big school with about two hundred children in each grade. All the girls wore their best pastel colored dresses. We had a rosary procession before the crowning. When I got to walk down that isle and up onto the stage to help with the crowning...well...I might as well have been in heaven. Aren't we so very, very blessed to know and love Mary, the Mother of God and our mother. God bless you Sister Catherine Angeline and may your two mothers in heaven and Mother Mark on earth watch over your soul with delight, affection and graces.
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