A year ago, I would have never predicted the global pandemic we are experiencing today. My involvement with the Mothers’ branch warms my heart like a familiar warm blanket. During these trying times I have become more personally prayerful as our more normal traditions of worship have been restricted. It was in those moments that I turned to my Home Shrine and visits to the Confidentia Shrine for the comfort and reassurance of Our Blessed Mother. Still, this journey is made more difficult with the absence of attending Holy Mass or receiving the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord.
A theme that has emerged during these difficult times is one of distrust and hostility in our beloved nation. Even more so, I turn to our Blessed Mother in gratitude for her guidance and strength. I was well on my way from recovering from foot surgery and enthusiastically looking forward to resuming my normal Schoenstatt activities, when the first cases of coronavirus began to appear in our country. We all had to hit the pause button. Everyone seemed fraught with uncertainty yet determined to proceed in faith and with prudence. All the while, I felt drawn to walk more closely with Our Blessed Mother.
By the grace of God, I felt a sense of humbleness and gratitude for the opportunity to share a bit of my story. Through God’s kindness I am blessed to be in the position to accompany and assist other mothers in their relationship with Our Blessed Mother. I realize many of our mothers do not have access to computers or other electronic devices. In my position, I am able to distribute material related to Schoenstatt activities and events. I am able to make hard copies of electronically generated material and personally deliver the information. In this way, the mothers have the opportunity to spiritually connect and know they are highly valued.
During these times it has become highly necessary to be effective apostles by living the covenant of love. Through the capital of grace, we can be effective apostles. In the spirit of Divine Providence, we have heard from medical experts that we need to care about each other. As Dr. Anthony Fauci states, “Now is the time to care selflessly about one another.” We offer our contributions to the Blessed Mother so that she can procure for us and for many people the gifts of salvation, the graces we need for the fulfillment of our immediate task in this life and to attain eternal glory. “I firmly trust that no one will be lost who lives the covenant in loyalty” (Father Kentenich).
A.D., Mothers’ Branch, TX