Pretty soon I will be called by a new name. This new name, Sister Mariela, signifies my new life in Christ and His specific calling of my name to receive all He wants to give. Mariela is a form of Mary, and I will celebrate my nameday on the Feast of the Visitation. When reflecting on what name the Lord wanted me to take, the Visitation kept coming to mind. This Joyful Mystery of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth and her proclamation of the Lord’s goodness seemed to pervade and set the theme for much of my life. In whatever form it may come, I want to receive joyfully all He wants to give, to carry out His will alone, like our Mother Mary did. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47).
Recently, I found a reflection I had written during my first retreat as a postulant. The last conference that had been given was on Spiritual Motherhood. As I approached the 4 th Station where Jesus meets His Sorrowful Mother, this is what struck my heart: What is the sacrificial love of a mother? It is the self-sacrifice made to love her children. Mary’s self-sacrifice to be there with Christ, her Son, in His passion was the selfless love that united her with Him. Her heart was pierced with 7 swords in the agony of watching her beloved Son endure a cross that He did not deserve, but which He embraced for the love of the Father and mankind. Could she not have said to Jesus, “You don’t have to do this, there are other ways. Do you know how much pain You are causing me and those who love you?” She knew He could have chosen any other way t...
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A friend of mine/co-worker found your website for me. Her friend is Sr. Maximillia Um. So I was happy to see I can congratulate you on line. I hope you will continue to grow in love with our Lord and serve him as a Franciscan. I was a Franciscan too, so the charism is very special to me. Again, Congrats! hugs, Connie Ruhlman, Mac's mom
Congrats Girl!! That is such a legit name! Sorry we couldn't come to the reception but you're always in our prayers. We can't wait to road trip it down to see you guys!
God Bless,
Chelsea and Sarah