JenAmbrose Design in Progress

  This is the Mary I strive to be more like! On December 8 th the Catholic Church celebrates Mary being conceived without original sin, making her the perfect created being and able to be mother to our Lord. Because I live in Virginia, I am close enough to visit the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. and it is the most amazing church that I have personally visited in the U.S.   O most Holy Virgin, immaculate in body and spirit, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, receive my prayers as I present them to God. (state your intentions here) O Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, you intercede for us with your Son. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

  I first heard about this Marian devotion when a friend of mine was struggling with a problem and asked me to pray this particular novena. Halfway through I realized I was praying this for myself as much as for them! The most popular image of this Mary is a painting by Johann Georg Melchior Schmidtner where she is seen untying knots in a long ribbon, and was inspired by the work of St. Irenaeus of Lyons where he presents a parallel between Eve and Mary, describing how "the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the virgin Mary set free through faith." Her feast day is celebrated on September 28 th , but you can pray for her intersession any time. Mother of fair love, I look to you. Take into your hands the ribbon of my life, and see the snarl of knots that keeps me bound to sin, anxiety, and hopelessness. I beg you, Mother, by your powerful intercession and long fingers...