In late March and early April Mike and I were blessed to go to Medjugorje, Rome, and Lourdes. It was a special trip celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. It would be very difficult to share how many graces we received while we were there. We were really really blessed.
I’m only going to mention a small piece of it here now. Our Lady’s presence is very strong in Medjugorje. Everyone there prays rosaries continually. Each night at the request of Our Lady three rosaries are prayed in the Church following Mass. The rosary of the seven sorrows of Mary is also prayed. It is the most Catholic place I have ever seen. There were about 30 priests on the altar each night and this was in the offseason.
On the second of each month Mirjana (one of the visionaries) receives an apparition of our Lady. Mike and I were present for that. At the time of Mary’s coming everyone becomes quiet. During that time, I cried and thanked Mary over and over for all the times she has helped me. Then I began to pray for all those I promised to pray for. At the end of each message Our Lady always always always says Thank you. You can find these apparitions of Mirjana on youtube.
Then in Lourdes again our Lady’s presence was so evident. I cry just thinking of it. We went to Mass at the grotto as well as in the basilica. We returned to the grotto over and over again to pray. It is so simple yet so grace-filled. We were also able to sit alone in Bernadette’s house and pray.
Twice Mike and I were able to go into the baths. As I waited my turn I prayed for you all. I prayed for all those who read Cackles Corner as well as for others. I was so emotional when it came my turn. The volunteers said, “Now say your intentions.” I said, “I’ve been saying them for an hour. I’m ready and I’m all yours Mary.” As I dunked I was filled with such strength.
What I didn’t realize until a little later was I was healed of an awful cold and cough that I had. As I waited for the baths, I coughed and coughed. After the bath I never coughed again. My nights had been fitful with coughing but no more. I was healed.
As I was reading about the Bernadette’s apparitions while there, Mike and I were both struck by the third apparition. Our Lady asked Bernadette, “Would you be so kind as to come back here for fifteen days? We were struck by how polite Mary is. The Mother of God says “Thank you” each time in Medjugorge and “Would you be so kind to come back here” to Bernadette. I left wanting to remember that lesson.
I ask her to help me be kind to those that I love and those I struggle to love. I know she is helping me.
Mary is our model.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
God bless,
Mary Ann / Mother Hen
Phillip Penna says
lovely. thank you.