Our Lady of Mount Carmel...found in the newspaper.

One day a few months ago I was feeling very down and I had been talking aka praying a lot to the Blessed Virgin Mary or Mother Mary. I wasn't sure I was being heard as we often have our doubts, fears, health crises,  that can take up our lives or make us not have faith or believe. The very human side of us where we all need that mustard seed of reassurance that there is something looking over us. There are plenty of days I feel in despair or just don't think there is anything..days where the world events are so heavy on my heart I cry and cry. Or when I see dear friends and family members dealing with such issues that are completely unjust it can make you question everything and wonder..really is there something.

I was about to put the newspaper in the recycleable pile and something told me not to pass over one page in particular. It was ads for houses, things to buy..and then one at the very bottom jumped out at me. It was an ad that said ANNOUNCEMENTS religious ad for "PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY". I was sort of stunned since I read this newspaper all the time on Sunday and Thursday and never saw any ad like that before. I thought...could this be a sign from her?

I wanted to share the prayer because I thought it was a really beautiful and meaningful one. I used it myself since I was not feeling the greatest and was sent what I call angelic helpers in human form with regards to my health including my friends, mom, and family rallying behind me and sending a lot of support in ways unexpected that gave me peace and hope on the day I finished it so I am publishing it hear in hopes that others will use it and pass it along.

"PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY"

(Never known to fail) Oh most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine splendor of heave, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me, show me herein, you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this necessity.
There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us have recourse to thee. Holy Mother, I  place this cause in your hands (3X). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me in that all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer  to thank you for thing as you conform once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. The person must say this prayer 3 consecutive days. After 3 days, the request will be granted. This prayer must be published after the favor is granted." J.P.H.

May: Month of St. Mary the Blessed Mother

May is revered as the month in which to honor Mary the Mother of Jesus and all her children of the earth as well every mother but we can and should do this every day. This is just a memo of reminding everyone to ask for her intercession, blessings, and guidance. Just recently I've been calling on Mary more and more or as she is known by other names of Mother Mary, Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady, Mary Queen of Angels, Mary Queen of Heaven whatever you wish to name her.

The Memorare prayer to Mary is one I use often and find a great deal of comfort in. It's one of my favorites. Sometimes I will pray that prayer on the rosary instead of the Hail Mary. I originally discovered it in Janice T. Connell's book "Praying with Mary: Sacred Prayers to the Blessed Mother for All Occasions". She said it's her and her family's Miracle Prayer that they have always turned to and works for them. You may also want to give it a try and pray each day this month for Mary and anyone else in need.

Here it is:

 THE MEMORARE

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who
fled to thy protection, implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence,
I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins,
my mother; to thee do I come, before
thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions, but in thy
mercy, hear and answer me. 

(Mention request)

Amen.

Encountering St. Therese At A Pizza Place...

This is probably one of things that I still am having a OMG moment. I will say this..St. Therese does make herself known and connects with you (and I notice she does it at times in comical ways like for instance for a friend I had started a novena and the next day turned on the TV to the Rose Bowl with a giant rose on..I didn't know the Rose Bowl was going to be on at that time I clicked it on). I had started a novena and the next day I had gotten in the mail unbeknownst to me a package from her Society of the Little Flower since I am a part of their mailing list with roses on the envelope and roses on the cards for Valetine's Day to send out.

But this is the biggest sign I've ever gotten. My grandma took my mom and I out to lunch for helping her move to this very nice pizza place. As we walked in I wasn't sure what to make of what was staring up at me. At the front of the place they had a Good Luck Maneki Neko Gold Cat to bring in business but that wasn't what made me think, "Wait a minute is that really who I think it is?" and there in the center was a large image of St. Therese or Little Flower complete with roses in front of her.
I was in absolute shock and I told my mother (this happens to be her patron saint, why I know about her and the name she took for her Confirmation.) She had also started a novena and sent out a St. Therese Healing Prayer Card to her godmother who was diagnosed with cancer. (my mom sent it before she found out but was told she was in the hospital, had tests done and our thoughts were to send a card.) I said to my mom, "Don't you think it's something..that we see her in a pizza place..how strange...HER..St. Therese someone we are praying to at this time?") Apparently she had answered the prayers of someone there or perhaps someone is asking for her help with healing. I didn't ask but when I go back I want to know why they have an altar there to her. I can only bet that she has assisted so many times and came through and that was their gratitude for what she had delivered.

I know my mom also started another novena and I am also praying for loved ones that are having health issues to St. Therese. When I started one the picture at the beginning of the post is what I found when going through old drawers to get rid of.

I want to thank St. Therese for all she has done for me, my family and those who are in ill health, recovering, or despair. I connect to her enduring poor health, anxiety, and issues of faith. Although she passed on at a young age of 24 her impact and work has made a profound difference. St. Therese, you really are keeping your last wish of spending heaven doing good upon the earth. We love you.