Full of Grace

by Sister Judith Jackson, SCL

To open my reflection on Mary, the mother of Jesus, and to make her ever more accessible, I read the chapter on Mary, Full of Grace, in Father James Martin’s book, My Life with the Saints. This quote is his initial sentence, “Like many Catholics, I would be hard-pressed to recall exactly when I was first introduced to Mary, so intricately woven is she into the tapestry of our religious culture.“

For those of us raised in this culture, we know that Mary is given special recognition in this month of May and also in the month of October, plus other significant feasts sprinkled throughout the year.

Prior to the climate change which has hastened the springtime beauty in the Midwest where I live, the flowering trees and bushes all arrived in the month of May and beautified the small grotto in my back yard and the large grotto on our parish school grounds; served us well at the May altars, May processions and the annual May crowning.

This month of May, I invite you to engage with Mary as you meditate on the Mysteries of the Rosary (the Scriptural events of the life of Jesus and Mary).  You also may wish to reflect by opening your eyes, your ears and your heart to focus on Marian objects of sacred art and/or sacred music.  Two examples that come to mind are the hymn, Ave Maria and the artwork by Michelangelo, The Pieta.

Beyond the Catholic culture, one can appreciate the contribution of the University of Notre Dame sports as the wider society knows Jesus and Mary due to Touchdown Jesus, the Grotto of Our Lady and the football pass known as the Hail Mary, a last-ditch effort dependent on Mary’s intercession.

As we continue as Pilgrims of Hope on our journey with Mary through the month of May, may we come to a deeper appreciation of Mary as a woman for all times.   May we connect with Mary as a model of compassion and contemplation. May Mary, woman of compassion, intercede for the healing of our broken world.

Consider joining us at Marilac Center for one of the following events:

Finding Beauty in the Margins
Tuesday, May 27, 4  p.m.– Saturday, June 1, noon

Brother Mickey McGrath introduces his retreat, “There is nothing like BEAUTY in all its forms to bring prayerful peace and serenity to our hearts.  In these times of heightened fear, anger and polarization it is good to recall the words of Dorothy Day’s favorite mantra. ‘In the end, beauty will save the world.’”

Throughout this retreat, artist and story-teller, Brother Mickey McGrath will share his own colorful creations inspired by his favorite saints, mystics and artists from across the ages and cultures who can inspire us to find creative beauty and the Holy Spirit alive in our hearts. Register by May 17.

Mondays at Marillac
June 2, 9, 23, 30

Renew your Spirit and come spend a Monday morning, afternoon, or the whole day with all the beauty the Marillac campus has to offer. Walk our labyrinth and tree-lined walking paths, sit by our beautiful fountains, attend Mass with the Sisters, or bury yourself in our library. You can even set up an appointment to meet with one of our Spiritual Directors.

Directed Retreat, 3-nights
June 12-15, * paid event
Registration available at the button; contact srobb@scls.org for payment information.

Directed Retreat, 7-nights
June 12-19, * paid event
Registration available at the button; contact srobb@scls.org for payment information.