March 1st, 2008 by 
claresiobhan
Critics of the Catholic Church sometimes cite the Bible’s admonition against “vain repetition” as evidence that prayers like the Rosary, Litanies, Novenas and other Catholic devotions are no good.
A friend of mine recently said this in response to that kind of criticism: “Repetition is not vain if the prayer truly comes from the heart.”
Of novenas he said, “Repeating our intentions for nine consecutive days shows the Lord that we are earnest in our request and that we are willing to wait for His timing in answering our prayer.”
Food for thought! Have a relaxing Sunday tomorrow everyone.
Posted in Apologetics, Catholic Church, Liturgy, Mary, Novenas, Prayer/Spirituality, Rosary | 
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December 8th, 2007 by claresiobhan
by Clare Siobhan
Every year on this feast I reflect on the fact that Our Blessed Mother is the only normal human being ever born. This morning at Mass, the priest confirmed this idea by saying that the BVM reminds all of us what humanity would have been like had we not fallen: we would desire nothing more than to live our lives totally in accord with God’s will. Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.
A friend at my parish writes reflections for every Sunday and special feast day, which are compiled on what we call “Mass cards”–the children in the parish day school and the families in the religious education program receive these cards, read the reflections, fill out the cards, and turn them in each week for class credit.
The reflection for today’s feast is especially good:
The angel Gabriel came to Mary with a startling greeting: “Hail, full of grace.” It was a clear sign that Mary, being full of grace, could have no room for sin. As our Church teaches, this beautiful truth was a result of her Immaculate Conception. God saved Mary from sin, but not in the usual way. From the moment of her conception, she was freed from the stain of original sin, so that she could be ready later to bear the very life of God in her womb! She was ready to say “Yes!” to Gabriel, and to God’s will for her life. Through the great gifts of the Sacraments, we can also be ready to say “Yes” to God. We can be like Mary, and embrace God’s will for our lives with a joyful and wonder-filled heart.
Holy Mary, our hope, conceived without original sin, pray for us!
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