Hail Mary

 In what seems like a long, long time ago I went to Catholic School. It was a great experience for me. I had nice teachers, a great group of friends ( 5 of whom I still call "best" friends ) and a tight knit class. There are  so many fond memories I have of school, especially grade school.

  Like any normal child, I looked forward to the times we took a break from regular class time to do something different. Maybe it was going to the choir loft to practice singing hymns for Friday mass; or watch a movie, or go on a field trip. But, when it came time to recite the rosary, I remember getting really nervous. This is why: Our desks were set up in rows and we went in order taking turns saying the prayer that was next. I remember vividly counting ahead to try to figure out what prayer I'd have to say when it got to be my turn. I didn't want to accidentally say 9 or 11 Hail Mary's!! That would be embarrassing.

   Since then, I've grown a lot more attached to saying the rosary, and there is no anxiety with it at all. Tonight I gathered the children in the living room to pray. And although they don't have the anxiety that I had all those years ago, they do still grumble and grouse about it. But it's my duty as a Mom to pass along the faith that my parents gave to me. If anything at all, they see how much peace saying the rosary brings me and hopefully look to our  Blessed Mother for guidance now and in their adult life.

  The rosary ends with this prayer:   

               

  
  Let us pray. O GOD, who’s only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. 

  AMEN.