Happy feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

Shortly afterward, her generous heart sent her on a journey into the hill country, pregnant and  "in haste," to help her cousin Elizabeth, who was much older and also expecting a child (see Luke 1:39). Mary surely prayed and reflected throughout her journey while the blessedness of Jesus dwelled within her. After Elizabeth's baby leaped in her womb on Mary's arrival, the two women embraced. Elizabeth praised Mary for her great faith, and Mary humbly responded with the words of the Magnificat, glorifying God's holiness, justice, and mercy and foretelling that all generations would call her blessed because of the great things the Lord had done for her (see Luke 1:46-55).

from Embracing Motherhood pg. 100 (Servant Books, 2012) by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle. Available: www.donnacooperoboyle.com

Have you thought about how you may be "going in haste" to help someone today? Pray about it. Ask Mary to show you.

Mothers, mother's love, and a little controversy

Mothers, mother's love, and a little controversy

Mary re-echoes God

From, God Alone, The Collected Writings of St. Louis Marie de Montfort: "Mary was created only for God, and it is unthinkable that she should reserve even one soul for herself. On the contrary she leads every soul straight to God and to union with him. Mary is the wonderful echo of God. The more a person joins himself to her, the more effectively she units him to God. When we say 'Mary', she re-echoes 'God.'