Blessed Mary, pray for us..... August 15

In most sacristies (little room or alcove where people vest for services and where things like wedding kneeler cushions, the advent wreath and the vessels and linens for the communion service are stored) there is an odd looking calendar with numbered days in different colors and miniscule writing beneath. An ordo calendar. The color of each date lets us know what color (if vestments and appointments are used for clergy, the chalice and the pulpit) to use on what day. We are in the green days of Pentecost. The color changes with the feast day of a saint - usually the day that particular saint met their earthly end. The fifteenth of August is reserved for the feast day of St. Mary the Virgin.

I come from a long line of women who had a 'special' relationship with Mary. Somehow my paternal great grandmother, my maternal grandmother and my Mom all went to Mary when they wanted to unburden the weight from their shoulders or their hearts or ask for patience... even for some Divine Intervention (my mother credited the Blessed Mother with assisting me to pass algebra - barely - allowing me to move without a hitch from 9th grade).

I do admire the fierce faith of Mary. She uttered that history making YES. When invited to be instrumental in the Incarnation, she said YES. For that I am in awe and full of gratitute. Because of her witness in saying YES - despite any feelings of fear or pain or sorrow or confusion - it is easier for me to face turning points in my life and make affirmative decisions grounded in faith.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is indeed with you..... Amen.