On the evening of May 15th, our Regnum Christi and Lumen families and friends enjoyed an evening of hospitality and prayer at the Connecticut home of Lisa and Bob Rooney. Their backyard was in near full bloom on this rainy Spring evening. Before the sun set we were able to gaze at their beautiful “Mary Garden”. We discovered that most of the lush representation of shrubs, flowers, and herbs have names related to events in the life of the Holy Family. Lily of the Valley, (Our Lady’s tears), lavender (Mary’s drying plant) columbine (Mary’s shoes), – the language of flowers continues to express our abiding devotion to Mary our Mother, began centuries ago when the written word was not available to ordinary people.
The stormy weather that night included rushing gusts of wind and downpours of rain drumming on the protective tent set up for the evening. None of it put a damper on the festivities! In fact, the rain and the wind enhanced the spiritual ambiance of this candlelit evening. As darkness fell we settled into our seats to begin the recitation of the Rosary. Mary Smith and Luly Fernandez, Consecrated Women of RC from the DC community, graciously provided and handed each family a personalized votive candle. The candles were lit and held throughout the praying of the Rosary, providing a golden glow to the faces of the participants and illuminating Mary’s statue. In the end, the candles were collected and taken back by Mary and Luly to be placed in the chapel in their home in DC. In the coming weeks, each one will burn in the sanctuary lamp for eight days, and the consecrated women will pray for the intentions of the family who held it. Everyone commented on how their hearts were touched and warmed by this gesture.
Fr. Eric Nielsen, Regnum Christi Chaplain, led us in praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Lay women and men took turns announcing the mysteries, the accompanying scripture verses and meditations, and the closing prayers. Without fail and noticed by all, as each decade of the Rosary was announced, the wind blew harder and the rain pounded louder, causing us to raise our voices in prayer. And raise them we did, with joy and wonder and awe! Amazingly, not a single flame was extinguished, until the very end, as we started to move about and the great wind that had blown all night was reduced to a light breeze. Someone said the Holy Spirit reminded us that God speaks to us in the silence!
In the soft candlelight and the silence of our hearts, our Rosary was offered up for our petitions to Our Holy Mother for the needs of our children and our families. Regnum Christi member Cindy Douglas composed each of the special, beautiful intentions announced before each decade:
- For our children who have left the faith, that their hearts may be opened to embrace and enjoy God’s Kingdom here on earth.
- That our children do not lose hope when faced with trials and tribulations, and that they will trust God to shepherd them through their hardships.
- That our children realize how much God loves them, that they may discover the happiness that comes from walking in communion with Him every day.
- That our children will develop a desire for the Kingdom of Heaven that leads them to put aside the distractions in which our current culture envelops them.
- That our children will go to our Blessed Mother Mary knowing that she will attain for them, through her son Jesus Christ, answers to their needs in prayer.
Lastly, we prayed that as parents, we have the strength and grace to support our children, just as Mother Mary did during Jesus’ time of suffering and in His time of glory.
According to the Regnum Christi prayer book, “The Rosary is a time for Mary to step into our lives, gifting us her consolation, example, and intercession. This prayer brings peace to the soul, instills faith, and renews trust.” This is just what we need and want for our children and families- to be peaceful in this chaotic world.
The evening ended with a moving and inspirational reflection by Luly Fernandez. She reminded us of the incredible, even miraculous power of prayer, especially in the praying of the Rosary. As St. Louis de Montfort encouraged , “to Jesus, through Mary.” Our Lady of Fatima urges us to pray the Rosary daily. Luly also directed us to stay close to and familiar with the Word of God, to not only keep it in our hearts, “ but on the very tip of our tongues” as we live to bring Christ to others. She also impressed upon us, we should never underestimate the special graces that come from a parent blessing their child. We should do it often!
As the guests departed, each received in place of their candle a fully bloomed white rose to remind us of Mary’s glories, and a package of seeds for a Marian flower, to begin their own Mary Garden.
Christ Our King! Thy Kingdom come!
Virgin most prudent, Mary Mother of the Church, pray for us.