Time flies when you're discerning your vocation, huh?
One of the highlights of the past weeks was spending a few days with the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baltimore. It was an incredible opportunity to learn more about their beautiful ministries, which include teaching the Faith, offering counsel to individuals and families and helping to run parishes in the U.S. and overseas.
It was great to hear each sister's story and to see the passion they have for serving others. What an amazing group of women!
I made it a point not to ask any questions (of where they were taking me or what the next activity was) and was positively surprised by all they had me do! These very generous sisters had planned my days so that I would spend a few hours with each sister at her work place (parishes, Catholic Charities , archdiocesan offices, etc.) They also found time to take me to tons of historic churches, to D.C., the inner harbor in Baltimore and to Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star Spangled Banner.
Having done so much in so little time, I have to say the one thing that touched me the most was being in so many beautiful places dedicated to the Virgin Mary. I have to say my devotion and reliance on mamma Mary has grown tremendously this past year and I often find myself saying "Jesus, why can't I be more like Mary?" As in patient, wise, prudent and faithful to God. Heaven knows my ascent into sainthood has been quite tricky (see image) but with Mary's unfailing intercession I know
it is not impossible.
My prayer is that my heart will continue to be shaped by God and will become more like Mary's!
And now of course, some poor quality pics that won't ever do these places justice:
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Cathedral of Mary our Queen
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
"Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him and serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor."--Blessed Mother Teresa
