Mary, Mother Of God

Hail, Holy Mother, who gave birth to the King, who rules heaven and earth for ever. ~Today's Entrance Antiphon

Happy 2012! 

I hope that the new year is off to a great start and that today as we celebrate our Mother, you are feeling refreshed in your role as mother.  

From the Saintly Silver Etsy site

Have you seen Saintly Silver's softies?  These dolls are so cute!  I was actually introduced to the dolls in our pew at our last church when some wonderful people, who would become great friends, sat down next to us.  Their daughter had this same Mary doll.  On the back is the Hail Mary prayer.  And since then, St. Anne, St. Clare, and St. Isabel of Portugal have arrived in our house (via shoes on St. Nicholas day if I remember correctly).  And I have a strong suspicion that St. Victoria may arrive via Easter basket this year.  There are tons of saints to choose from on the site, but if they don't have the particular saint you are looking for, you can work with them to create a new doll.  I happen to know that St. Nicholas had to go through this process with our St. Isabel doll and he told me that it was such a pleasure to do work with Saintly Silver.  Because all of these dolls are custom made, you do need to allow some time for delivery, but Easter is still a few months away.  So, today, in honor of Our Lady, I am giving away one Mary softie!  Just leave a comment between now and Jan. 6th, letting me know what your favorite title/image of Mary is.  We are big fans of Our Lady of Guadalupe in our house.  I'll announce winners for this, and all of the giveaways, on Jan. 8th. 

Prayers for a blessed 2012!

Getting Me Through

Mary, Help Me

Holy Queen, Mother of mothers, consolation and protectress of all Christian motherhood, Mother Mary, help me.

In all the trials and sorrows that come into my day, dear Mary, help me.

When I am tired with my labors and despondency is upon me, dear Mary, help me.

When all looks dark and I find none to speak a consoling or cheering word, dear Mary, help me.

When I am wearied by the weight of countless vexing little things and my patience is sorely tried, dear Mary, help me.

In the impatience and rudeness of others, by the example of your mildness, dear Mary, help me.

When others speak sharply to me and I would speak harshly in return, that I may show the gentleness of your own kindly speech, dear Mary, help me.

When my efforts seem to bear so little fruit and to be so little appreciated and I am discouraged, dear Mary, help me.

When a thousand worrisome distractions and annoyances come into my day and it seems so hard to keep my peace of heart, dear Mary, help me.

When all others seem to fail, then especially with the sweet support of your gentle aid, dear Mary, help me.

In all things, Mother, assist me! That I may, like you, with patience turn all my trials into spiritual treasures; that I may grow ever more like you, the cherished queen of the most holy family, dear Mary, help me!

From the Mothers' Manual by A. Francis coomes, S.J.