That I might put into words who the Blessed Virgin Mary is and what she represents to me is truly an impossible task. To begin with, there is not one specific word which can adequately honor her fully. I do know what I believe: I believe Mary is the Mother of God and that she has been, and is the driving force in helping me solidify my relationship with God (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). I believe in the miracles of Mary, some of which include: Fatima and Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Guadalupe and The Miraculous Medal, and most recently Our Lady of Nicaragua and Our Lady of Soufanieh. And most importantly, I believe in Jesus the Christ.

In speaking from my own life experiences, there was a time when life was bleak, empty and all seemed hopeless with no clear direction. I can't say that Mary spoke to me openly or that I heard a voice. It was more of an awareness of compassion and thoughts of Mary which came to mind. It had been many years in which I had any kind of self-awareness of God or my past faith in Catholicism. This "awakening" was the beginning of my journey in re-establishing roots with Jesus through Mary.

One of my most memorable and profound experiences had to do with The Pieta. At a time when irregardless of how much I prayed, attended mass or applied myself, there was a coldness inside that would not leave. That sense of coldness had been with me for a very long time but never affected me so deeply. It was at this time that friends offered to work at my store and made arrangements for me to attend a Cursillo. It was a difficult time for me in which I was filled with intense feelings of sadness, emptiness and anger. One morning at the retreat, I was reading Psalms preparing for the new day. It was at this time I looked up out my window and saw the Pieta. Though not fully understanding its significance, it did leave me with a feeling of curiosity. The Cursillo rekindled my faith and provided me with a sense of relief and direction.

Upon returning home I was blessed with a reminder of the Pieta and how it left me with deep emotions of compassion when viewing or talking about it. A friend gave me the pamphlet, "The Pieta". I completed the 13 Prayers of St. Bridget and continually read through it. To this day when I speak of the Pieta, I am filled with intense emotions and tears. Indeed, I now know the feeling of compassion. Shortly thereafter, I spoke briefly in a group touching on the experience with the Pieta and the emotional impact it instilled within me. A lady attending the group approached me a short time after stating how the story had an impact on her. She then proceeded to present me with a large statue of the Pieta, what a precious gift! To this day, the Pieta is placed in a central location within my home, not ever far from my gaze.

I find the Pieta is the representation of a mother's perfect love. It portrays perfect compassion and the impact of death upon families. Today, I have the capacity to have sincere feelings for Mary and her Son. I am no longer that empty vessel lost at sea. For this, I am ever grateful to the Blessed Virgin Mary for her vital role in leading me back to Jesus and rekindling my faith and spiritual beliefs.

Now when I feel detached and lack a connection with God, I ask Mary to help guide me back towards her Son. It can be compared to when I get overwhelmed and need a place to go to, to feel safe... one of the first thoughts that come to mind is I would like to speak with my Mom. I want her reassurance that everything will be OK. Even though my Mom has since passed away, I still have a natural desire to think of her and talk with her spiritually during such difficult times. And so it is with my spiritual needs, I turn to Mary for guidance and her unconditional love directs me towards her Son for healing, inner guidance and peace of mind.

Mary does not take the place of God nor do I place her above God. She does, however, fill me with awarness and guides me as only a mother's love can to Him, my Lord and my Savior.

Links of Interest:
Catholic Doors Ministry
Our Lady of Soufanieh
Our Lady of Nicaragua
Our Lady of Fatima
Mary Pages
Learning About Mary
Mary Our Mother
Medjugorje