Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

I have frequently spoken of how I love the statue in this picture. The statute was made by The Sisters of Bethlehem
The Monastic Family of Bethlehem, of the Assumption of the Virgin and of Saint Bruno where I have made many of my annual retreats . John Cardinal O'Connor brought the order here to upstate New York to pray for the diocese.

As you can see, Mary is sitting  with her empty hands out stretched on her lap. I always felt like she was longing for, and awaiting the will of God in her life…arms outstretched and empty, willing to do whatever He asked of her. I often contemplated this statute and held a great fondness for it even using it in many of my talks.

Of course, her arms were awaiting the baby Jesus, the purpose I am sure, was intended from its creation and a fulfillment of Gods will in her life.  I am not sure how  much of its significance to me has to do with awaiting God's will or as someone who lost a baby to abortion I can relate to Mary with her empty arms. I too  am awaiting each day Gods will in my life and at the same time longing for the day when my arms will be filled with my son Joshua  with Mary & Jesus in heaven.

Mary has been such a stronghold for me in my faith. Like any child with her mother, I have often taken her for granted, but I know in spite of how I feel or what in my humanness I do, she is there, guiding and protecting me. I thank God daily for the gift of Mary in my life, who understands our sorrows in this life, who experienced so much of what we go through and more through her sinless heart, and who gently leads me always to her Son.

Mary. Mother of Mercy and Our Mother, thank you!