"The heart of Jesus has no more loving law than gentleness, humility, and charity; therefore, work hard to instill these virtues in your heart." - St. Francis de Sales The Blessed Mother and Girl Scouts by Marimé Subramanian Pinnell '92, mother of Isabel Pinnell '21, and Co-President of the GVPA
I am fortunate to be the troop leader of my daughter Miranda's Girl Scouts Daisy Troop. I have 17 brave and independent first grade girls in my charge, and they are all unique. Some are reserved and shy, while others are vivacious and exuberant. Likewise, our troop meetings are at times peaceful and sweet, imagine a scene from Little Women with the girls working diligently on their crafts. Other times, our troop meetings resemble a scene from The Hunger Games with girls lunging over desks to lay claim to juice boxes and cookies as if their lives depended on it. Happily, "this is not my first rodeo" as they say. I have been a troop leader for years, dating back to when my older daughter, Isabel, was young.
At first, I believed that, as troop leader, I was teaching the "Little Virtues" to my troop. Later, I understood that the girls were the real leaders teaching me lessons of gentleness, humility, and charity. Wearing their bright blue Daisy vests adorned with badges, my girls put their faith into action. Selling cookies and going camping are popular activities, but helping others by small acts of service is their first priority.
Recently, however, I had an epiphany. I was preparing for our troop end-of-the-year Bridging Ceremony. My Daisies were graduating to Brownies and I was building a balloon bridge for the girls to walk through to symbolize their journey. As I was desperately trying to keep balloons from escaping my grasp and floating up to the cathedral high ceiling of the parish hall, the revelation hit me. I am not the real troop leader, nor are the girls. The ultimate and most perfect Girl Scouts Troop Leader is our Blessed Mother, the ever glorious Queen of Heaven and Earth. Mary gathers us under Her mantel and teaches us how to let God direct our steps, how to remain faithful and humble, and how to seek holiness in little ways. By her perfect example, She draws us close to the heart of Jesus, shaping and leading Her troop to conform ourselves to His will.
Thus, here's to all of our Girls Scouts, Visi girls, and daughters. May they always see the beauty of their faith. May they be respectful and celebrate others' differences. And that we, as one troop, may raise them with courage, following the example of our Blessed Mother and invoking Her intercession as we strive to know God, love God, and serve God – to truly "Live Jesus" - in the midst of our everyday life. Hail Mary Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou among women and blessed if the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death.
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Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School 1524 Thirty-fifth Street NW • Washington, DC 20007 • 202.337.3350 Special thanks to Cecilia Kane '16 for the banner photo. |