Okay, I have another confession to make.

I’m not really big on Marian devotions.

For other people this may not be a big thing, but being a Roman Catholic, I feel like it is. All the Catholics I admire always seems to have a personal devotion to Mary. They’re the people who pray the rosary everyday, who always asks for her intercession, and trust that she brings their petitions to Jesus.

A little sidenote before I continue. Catholics are often criticized for “praying to Mary”, like putting her in the same level as God the Father or Jesus or the Holy Spirit. If you believe that Catholics do that, well you’re in for a surprise: we don’t. Catholics have never prayed to Mary or any of the saints, but prayed with them. Big difference, yes. It’s just like…well, praying with a friend or a family member. You can read more about that here and here. If you have something to say about that, I’d only entertain respectful questions and nothing of the bashing type — because I’m not here for religious debates (and I will never be a part of another one, thankyouverymuch).

Back to topic. So I’m not really big on Marian devotion, even if I grew up reciting the rosary and knowing and learning about Mary’s life. Believe me, I’ve been saturated about it — and I didn’t even study in a Marian school. Even so, after all that, I still didn’t develop a devotion to her, unlike my Mom.

It’s not that I don’t believe in the power of her intercession. I do. It’s just that…well, I guess I’m just more comfortable praying directly to God and Jesus.

Maybe it’s because I still don’t understand how her intercession works miracles. And that argument doesn’t really make sense because (1) I know things like this isn’t something I can understand fully and (2) I ask my friends and family to pray for me every time I need prayers, so this should be just as easy/easier, right?

It’s something that I admit I have to learn. Not because it’s right and it’s something every Catholic should do, but because I believe that God wouldn’t call her to be Jesus’ mother if she wasn’t set apart. And I believe that because she was set apart, she’s someone who can help me in my earthly needs. She may not provide like God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit does, but I’d like to believe she can help in making me grow in God. Right?

I’m not sure if I made a lot of sense in this post…but then again I just want to let some thoughts out. Today is Mary’s birthday, and I thought it’s just right to reflect on the significance of the mother of Jesus in my life, right?

Oh but wait. There’s something else. Back when I was still looking for a new job, I found myself praying a lot because I really, really wanted to get into the company where I am right now. Let me tell you, the week before I was given the job offer was probably the longest and most difficult week ever. Waiting for the interview call was excruciating.

One day during the week when I was waiting to be called for my next interview, I was talking to my friend Tuesday who told me she was praying for me. She was struggling with her prayer time then, but she still tried to pray for me when she can. I remember her saying, “When I got your message, all I could say was Mama Mary, please take care of her.” Then she told me to pray the Memorare.

I found a copy of the Memorare online and started adding it to my prayers. I stored it in my cellphone’s notes, so I always have it in hand. Suffice to say, I got the job, but I never deleted the Memorare from my phone. There’s something comforting about that prayer, and every now and then I still find myself going back to that prayer and somehow it reminds me that I have another mother who always has my back and would help me knock on heaven’s doors.

Maybe what I really need are open eyes and an open heart to see how Mary can help me in my walk with her Son, Jesus.

Happy birthday, Mama Mary. :)

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

Inspired by 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.

Amen.

8/30.