maryshandmaiden

The Assumption of Mary

This blog was launched four years ago (2019) on the Assumption of the Blessed Mother. I hope to continue to post what I find during my search to learn more about the Virgin Mary until I am no longer able to do so. Here’s a look back at where it all started. I am hopingContinue reading “The Assumption of Mary”

Pizzelles and the Hail Mary

I used to pride myself on my multi-tasking abilities. Not anymore. I am now retired and my goal in life is to single-task as often as possible. And at the top of my list of single-tasking priorities is prayer. Old habits are hard to break, though, and I still find my mind wandering when IContinue reading “Pizzelles and the Hail Mary”

The “other Mary”

Who is “the other Mary?” Every Easter season the scripture readings about Christ’s resurrection reference “the other Mary,” the woman who was at the tomb with Mary Magdalene when they discovered that the body of Jesus was no longer there. But, who was “the other Mary?” Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting thereContinue reading “The “other Mary””

Devotional Imagination, explained

Did you know that the Bible only quotes Mary in four gospels? (Read Bible Quotes from Mary, by Sister M. Danielle Peters, on the University of Dayton’s About Mary page. There are, however, many saints and others who were privileged to receive visits from Our Lady after her Assumption into Heaven. According to these visionaries,Continue reading “Devotional Imagination, explained”

Marian shrine cared for by Buddhist monks?

There is a Marian shrine overlooking the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean in Long Beach, CA, that provides a lovely outdoor spot for contemplation and prayer to the Blessed Mother. The large white shell in which Mary rests is located on Ocean Boulevard, near the intersection of Redondo Avenue. In a park-like setting, this tribute toContinue reading “Marian shrine cared for by Buddhist monks?”

My favorite Marian shrine

The shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City is reported to be the most-visited shrine to Our Lady in the world. Millions converted to Christianity after her appearance to St. Juan Diego in 1531. Last year (2022) some 12 million pilgrims visited the shrine at the Basilica of Guadalupe, breaking the record forContinue reading “My favorite Marian shrine”

Mary makes headlines, again

If you missed it, here is a link to a wonderful essay about Mary’s virgin birth, published on the front page of The Wall Street Journal‘s Review section, in its Christmas edition (Dec. 24-25, 2022). Mary is still making making headlines. The subhead on the piece, written by author Dr. Rebecca McLaughlin, reads: “Two thousandContinue reading “Mary makes headlines, again”

REROUTING THE HOLY FAMILY

I’ve been watching the news during this post-Christmas travel period of 2022. Winter storm Elliott has tens of thousands of late-December travelers stranded and looking for alternate ways to get home. News reports say that some of the technology that enables airlines to respond to changing conditions is outdated, exacerbating the chaos caused by theContinue reading “REROUTING THE HOLY FAMILY”

Mary’s ‘yes’

I haven’t posted here in more than a month. Lately, I haven’t been feeling worthy to be writing about Mary, the Mother of God. Why? Because as much as I’d like to think of myself as “devoted,” so many others have consecrated their whole lives to Our Lady. I used to think praying was enough.Continue reading “Mary’s ‘yes’”

To whom did Mary pray?

Lately I have been wondering how Mary came to be so strong in her faith. Today, we have so many heavenly beings available to hear our prayers, from our deceased relatives, to all of the saints, to Our Lady and to Jesus, and to God the Father himself. Not to mention our ability to turnContinue reading “To whom did Mary pray?”