Mother of Our Hearts, Pray for us

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Yesterday we celebrated May Crowning at our house -- just the little homeschoolers and mama, and I thought I'd share some thoughts and pictures.

We moved our statue to the driveway to clean her up -- she was looking pretty green. If you notice that Mary looks like her head has been patched, you'd be right. But we think she''s beautiful. A little soapy water, and finally some Tilex, got most of the green off.




We planted some Petunias and Lobelia in the ground in front of Mary's place. It's so shady in our front yard, not much does well in this spot, but we always try. I probably should have bought Impatiens, but the kids wanted the Petunias and I picked the pretty blue Lobelia.




We put Mary back in her place and lit a new blue vigil candle on the ground next to her.

Peach (the youngest student) crowned Mary and we prayed a (short) Litany.




And lest you think my little home school students are just so sweet, I'll tell you that the whole time we were washing Mary, and planting the flowers, and even lighting the candle, I was hearing, "Hey let me do that." "But mom, she got to the last one." "Not fair, it's my turn." I had quite a headache by the time the whole thing was over and I was thinking that blue drink would be good with a shot of something clear and strong, if you know what I mean.




I used the idea for a Mary crown of Rice Krispie Treat found over at Catholic Cuisine (sans blue food color) for afternoon snack. I picked up some Duncan Hines cookie icing to add some blue flowers, but it's very runny -- perfect for frosting cookies, hence the name -- duh! Never let it be said I only share the beautiful things. And the blue Hawaiian punch was pretty good, even without a shot.

We love you, Mary. You are worth the headache.

Marianist Litany

Mary, God chose you as the mother of his Son and called all nations and generations to bless the gift of grace he gave you. In the company of those who have gone before us, with people of all races and languages, we call upon you in prayer.

Holy Mary, (Response: pray for us)
Mother of God,
Mother of our redemption,
Mother of a lost child,
Mother of comfort and understanding,
Mother who shares our joys,
Mother who endures our sorrows,
Mother whose heart was pierced by a sword,
Mother most merciful,
Woman responsive to God's word,
Woman willing to believe the impossible,
Woman who rejoices in her lowliness,
Woman with an undivided heart,
Woman of perfect freedom,
Woman wrapped in mystery,
Woman moved by the Spirit,
Woman champion of the poor and lowly,
Woman graced by a husband's love,
Woman widowed by a husband's death,
Woman at the cross,
Woman patient and waiting,
Woman clothed with the sun,
Queen of the fullness of times,
Queen of beauty unalloyed,
Queen of integrity,
Queen of painful meetings,
Queen of all our heart's treasure,
Queen of our destiny,
Queen of peace,

Mary, you are mother and virgin, wife and widow, peasant and queen - blessed for all time. We need the comfort of your prayers. Remember us always to our Father through your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our Lord for ever and ever. Amen.

Grandma brought over a little arrangement so that indoor Mary would have flowers, too. Thanks, Grandma.

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