Stay very close to Our Lady!

Before my marriage, I lived with two other Catholic women. Each of us was facing decisions in our lives that required deep discernment, whether they involved careers, relationships or vocations. Every night, or at least most nights, the three of us would come and pray a Rosary together.

During times of particular unease, we would pray the novena to Mary Who Unties Knots. Over the course of nine days, the novena calls on supplicants to lay the burdensome knots in their lives at the feet of Our Lady and ask her to place them before her Son to unravel. But aside from merely “solving the problem,” the crux of the prayer is its request of the necessary graces to disallow the knot, whatever it may be, from causing separation from Christ. It is a prayer of supplication, yes, but also of recognition that the worries and burdens of our lives too frequently prevent us from living in the joy and love of God.

As I have relied more on Mary’s intercession throughout my college years and now into my 20s, I am growing increasingly aware of what a truly incalculable gift humanity was given in Mother Mary, loving and honoring her — and remaining near her heart, as the Church celebrates on the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. “Stay very close to Our Lady,” advised Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

Every season of life comes with its particular trials and tribulations, as well as its own joys and blessings, and, in the midst of such turbulence, whether good or bad, Our Lady is there, waiting to take into her hands “the ribbon of my life,” as the prayer to Mary Who Unties Knots, says.

Speaking in Rome in 1979, Pope Saint John Paul II said: “Beloved young people! Continue to live in the truth and for the truth! May the Blessed Virgin, the Seat of Wisdom, Mother of the Word, who enlightens every man, assist you, enlighten you and comfort you.”

Adapted from NCRegister.com 

See also: Mary Who Unties Knots