Leading little ones to Mary

RAFFAELLO Sanzio
Madonna of Belvedere (Madonna del Prato)
1506

When I consecrated myself to the Blessed Mother two years ago (on December 8) I knew that my devotion would eventually bring my children closer to Jesus through Mary, but I didn't know exactly how. I knew Our Lady would help move me. This past summer I became aware of True Devotion for Children and ordered it for our school year this year. It's too advanced for Faith for this year. But, when I was scouring my bookshelves for the books I needed this year, I came across this book I think I bought when the boys were much younger, and pulled it off the shelves. Designed for children as young as, say, kindergarten if read to, it is not too young for Faith (it is for teacher to read to student because of the prompts for discussion written in the text). 

She has enjoyed learned "how to be a little Mary," and I have enjoyed reminding her that she is acting like a little Mary (or that she is not). The book has beautiful text, teaches children about Mary's life, miracles attributed to her, with lovely stories about other children and saints, and gently reminds them how to behave like children of God.

From the text:

When you say the Rosary, what prayer do you say most? Who said that prayer first? I am sure all the angels wanted to take the message to Mary. But God sent Gabriel.

 All heaven was looking down and listening that day. God, the Father, was listening. God, the Son, was listening. God, the Holy Ghost, was listening. And they were very pleased when Mary said, "Be it done as you say." Then Gabriel bowed before Mary and flew back to heaven with the news. 

Can you guess why Mary was so pleasing to God? (Children comment) Yes, but what God liked most was that Mary did not think much of herself. Many of the Jewish girls wished that someday they would be the Messiah's mother. But Mary never dreamed of such a thing...

 ...She was the only one God would choose. No one else was ever to be like her. And all the while she never thought much of herself.

Sometimes boys and girls think they are better than others. They are mean. Is that acting like Mary? I hope (you) don't act like that.

Now whenever we say the Hail Mary let us remember something. Let us think why Mary was so pleasing to God. And if we want God to be pleased, what shall we do?

 (Consecration) Holy Mary I want to belong to you. I give my whole self and all the good things I do, at home, at school, at church, on the playground. My Mother, I am all yours, and all I do belongs to you.