Monday Motivation: Leaning on Mary for Support & Strength

By Anne Louise Mahoney

When my sisters and I were teenagers, my mom gave each of us a card featuring this prayer:

Mary, mother of Jesus,

You always make a way where there is no way.

Please help me now.

Given all the ups and downs of adolescence, I think it’s safe to say we prayed to Mary often! We had grown up witnessing our mom’s devotion to Our Lady, so Mary felt like one of the family. When we were in a jam, we could talk to her and ask for help. And help always came, in one way or another.

Over the past two thousand years, countless people have turned to Mary (“in times of trouble,” as the Beatles sang in “Let It Be”) for support, comfort, healing. It’s not surprising that she is known by names such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our Lady of Compassion, Our Lady of Consolation, Our Lady of Deliverance, Our Lady Refuge of Sinners.

Mary experienced many things in her life: immense joy, deep love, great suffering. Just like all mothers, and all of us, do. She understands, because she has been there. She holds us in love when we are afraid, or alone, or in despair. She rejoices with us when things are going well. And she always makes a way where there is no way.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!