This Lenten season, we will take a closer look at aspects of our Visitation Salesian theme, 'Bloom Where You Are Planted.' Let us pray with and for each other to find ways to grow in holiness this Lent, right where God has placed us in our lives, and to allow the Holy Spirit to help us blossom with fruits of grace and virtue.
"Faith is like a bright ray of sunlight. It enables us to see God in all things as well as all things in God." - St. Francis de Sales Mary's Faithfulness, a Beacon of Hope
By Caroline Magro '19
While I am unsure exactly when they established their residency within my home, a raccoon family consisting of a 30-pound female named Roxy and her four babies have inhabited my attic for the past several days. Although Roxy initially instilled in me a sense of dread and disgust, I eventually realized her innate instinct to sacrifice in order to protect her vulnerable children. In light of the Lenten season, Roxy's presence offered me a brief and unexpected glimpse into the relationship between Mary and Jesus, and the emotional reality of the Stations of the Cross. Although this may seem an unorthodox observation, my raccoon encounter revealed to me the power of maternal love and highlighted Mary's role as the Mother of God.
Regardless of the numerous traps and exterminator visits surrounding Roxy, she absolutely and wholeheartedly refused to leave my attic and abandon her babies, even if only momentarily. In a more dramatic and important sense, Mary remained by Jesus's side throughout His suffering. Rather than cowering on account of cruel comments or pain, Mary continued to support Jesus, no matter the consequences. We directly recognize this presence as Mary interacts with her son during Station Four of the Stations of the Cross. Although it may be difficult to acknowledge her utter sorrow, I always feel profoundly impacted by this Station. Her faith in God provided Mary the unbelievable strength to comfort Jesus regardless of the trying nature of this task.
Mary's faithfulness has always seemed to me a beacon of hope. In times of trial or distress, I feel as though she remains by our sides, strengthening our friendships with herself and God the Father. She does not fear suffering, but rather helps us conquer our obstacles through belief in God's power. To quote Ignacio Larrañaga, 'To believe is to trust. To believe is to let go. To believe, above all, is to adhere, to surrender. In a word, to believe is to love."
According to the exterminator, Roxy probably climbed out of my attic on Wednesday morning, carrying her babies on her back. In all honesty, I do not miss her in the least. Yet, her steadfast dedication was, in some way, inspiring. Mary's love for Jesus and all of us, however, surpasses that of Roxy significantly. So, I have come to believe that if a raccoon willingly withstands traps to protect her family, Mary and Jesus will undoubtedly remain by our sides throughout every obstacle or concern of daily 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. |