For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus
I would like to thank Brent for the wonderful reflection last Thursday as I has an exam to attempt and was busy with preparation!
The 9 days leading up to this day are called Novena and very much celebrated with fervor in my state especially my southern district. While I live a stones throw away from a chapel built in the honor of Our lady of Health , Velangani , a place in south India . My entire state has this crazy devotion to the place, church and Mother mary!
Every evening while fire crackers burst as a call every sunset, near the chapel which is at the foot of the hill which is the end of my community, all Catholics, from age 1 year to 80 above, stream into the chapel and begin to recite the rosary and Litany to Our lady and sing hymns in her praise and yes followed by snacks and cake!
While the kids flock for the chance to meet their friends and distant relatives, the adults, even non catholics and pregnant women come to the place with utmost faith in the power of our lady! The final day celebration is ended by a massive floral procession by children to the image of Mother Mary and followed by Mass!
While I am amazed how even the tiniest tot is explained to make the sign of the cross and bow before the images , I realise that is exactly how we learn our faith . Just like Mary whose devout parents St Anne and St Joachim, taught their daughter the belief in Gods prowess such that she accepted the annunciation without an ounce of doubt!
While being an obgyn, I have the privilege to watch the baby form, grow and deliver – immaculate conception always is astonishing to me! So in order to have God in her womb, Mother Mary was born so perfect without original sin and even underwent a painless labor ( speculated by some) .. that is the most perfect life !!
She is perfect and almost not human, but she panicked when Jesus vanished as a kid for 3 days and pestered him to help at the wedding in Cana — now that is much more like the mothers we have!! Focused oneveryone around and ensuring you are always well fed ! ( very India mom behaviour)
As a devout mary bhakt ( faithful in my mother tongue) I wish each one of us to pick this tool of fauth and power called the rosary and say a decade as we wish our heavenly mother a happy birthday!
PRAYER:
Thank you Mama Mary for every thing I have today, my life, my family and my faith! Help me believe in the power of the Lord and take everyday as new with the happiness you felt at annunciation! Help me spread the Lord through my daily life!
AMEN.
