Dear Mary…

Every year, on your feast day, I experience a quiet joy and peace. Each year, you gently remind me where that joy and peace are found.

You continually draw my heart back to Him—the One who has promised me His peace.

Your example of what it means to be a follower of Christ has been a compass through life's many ups and downs and a shining light that pierces the dark night, leading me back to the foot of the cross.

Turning up as I am and resting at His feet have become woven into my everyday life. The mask of perfection and the high walls around my heart that kept me from deep healing have slowly crumbled. I no longer want to hide from Him; I want Jesus to see all of me. I want Jesus to see me not only at my best but also at my worst. I want to bring everything to Him: my fears, anxieties, anger, pain and despair, as well as my joy, hope, dreams and desires. Jesus loves all of me, especially my imperfections. This act of showing up, of being accepted and understood in our entirety, is a powerful reminder of His love and grace.

Jesus now stands between me and the demons that once clung to me. He has broken the ties I once clung to out of fear and replaced my fear and anxieties with His merciful love.

I find contentment in knowing that I am where Jesus desires me to be. Jesus has brought me out of a place of suffering into one where love knows no bounds. He has made this love known through His church, the sacraments, mental prayer and community.

Mary, you continue to invite me to join you at His feet, bringing all that I have and all that I am, and to sit in silence, patiently waiting in His presence, ready to receive what the Lord wants to give. Your witness to the Lord’s love and your love for Him continue to stir a desire in my heart and a yearning to be drawn into His heart. Like a moth to a flame, I cannot resist.

You understood the importance of showing up. You understood that you needed to show up to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus. You have taught me to show up in trust, even when I think the Lord isn’t near, and to keep seeking, because He is never far. I am learning to love Him in the silence and even amid uncertainty. Through your example, you have taught me to be ready when He calls me by name and sends me on my mission.

Mary, you are an example of someone who endured terrible suffering yet, through Jesus Christ, was healed. When He called you by name, you answered with love. You continued to sit quietly at His feet, even when everyone else went home. You trusted the Lord and knew that if you sought Him, you would find Him.

Your story gives hope to those who have suffered greatly. I know that nothing is lost or hopeless because of His merciful love. I also know that His peace can reach even the deepest suffering and the hardest trials. This peace, experienced in suffering, brings joy to the human heart, a spark of hope and a glimpse of His love amid what may seem the depths of the darkest night. This kiss from heaven soothes the heart and soul, like a sweet balm poured over every wound, until all else fades and only the Lord remains. For in that moment, the Lord’s love for us cannot be contained.

While my joy may be quiet, I feel as if my heart will burst. I want to run by your side as an apostle, proclaiming the good news everywhere to all.

Most of all, dear Mary, I want to sit beside you, together at the feet of our beloved Jesus.

Thank you for your “yes”.

Thank you for your inspiring witness to the greatest love of all – His merciful, sacrificial love!

Happy Feast Day, my beautiful friend - it is an honour to celebrate this day with you.

 From a future saint in the making,

Allison

P.S. Now let’s eat some cake!