What's in a Name?
In rediscovering my 8th grade class graduation picture earlier this week, memories started to flood in. My 1964 class photo from Saint Eulalia School contains 108 photos of students, plus pictures of our then-Monsignor and two associate pastors. The class consisted of two classrooms with 54 students in each. One BVM sister was in command of each room. For some reason, the photos of Sisters Florita and Sulpice were not included, although I can still picture each of them vividly!
As I gazed at these small photos of my classmates, I counted how many of us were named Mary. Out of 55 female students, 7 of us were named after our Blessed Mother. Most of my class had been together since at least kindergarten or first grade. It may have been Sister Patricia Ann in first grade who decided too many of us named Mary was confusing. I cannot remember which one of us was allowed to keep her first name only, but from then on, the rest of us Marys were called by our first and middle names. I became MaryBeth during my 8 years at Saint Eulalia. And I confess, I resented not being called by my “real” name. I (foolishly) wished I had been christened something other than “Mary"…something more unique or more special. Or so I thought. Silly child.
Motherhood and maturity have helped me immensely to better understand the great heart of Mary and the honor that comes with her name. My admiration and devotion to her have grown in leaps and bounds. This week’s memories eventually led me to a deeper reflection on Mary this month of May. As I prayed more rosaries, I was reminded to seek the intercession and help of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Memorare Prayer.
Starting with her generous fiat to God and humanity, Mary demonstrated true humility, faith, and obedience. Childbirth is never easy, but her road to Jesus’ birth in a barn was especially rough. As I think back on three significant moves made by our little Carpenter family, I am beyond grateful that our relocation was never based on fleeing this country to protect a child’s life. I can still recall the feeling of losing visual on a toddler while shopping or in a crowd. My heart will drop thinking about the time my 4-year-old waited on our back patio while I ran in the house for his jacket. When I returned a short minute later, he was nowhere to be found. That connection to Mary returns especially when I pray the fifth joyful mystery or read the biblical account in Luke 2:41-47 of finding the child Jesus in the Temple.
As mothers, we learn to share our children with others: with God, our relatives, friends of our kiddos, and later in life, with new families as they marry and have children of their own. Mary is the role model for sharing her child with the world. She lived through numerous temporary farewells to Him. A big one was Jesus beginning his public ministry. Outwardly, for three years, Mary’s role as a mother took a back seat to Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth. Her acceptance of this, even when some events were so very puzzling and hurtful to her heart, coupled with her great trust in God, are lessons that I continue to learn from. Even though Mary did not always know the why, her faith in her son and God's plan never wavered. Her life gave testimony to him even on the road to Calvary and finally at the foot of the cross.
These days I proudly rejoice in Mary as my Patron Saint and Queen of all Saints. I depend on her intercession and guidance. Mary was Jesus’ mother and advocate on earth. She is now and forever our mother and advocate in heaven.
Mother Mary, on the feast of the Ascension and as we celebrate all mothers this weekend, help us to lift up others. May we be the kind of parent, spouse, friend and even stranger who shows people their potential to serve your Son.
