Mary, our Immaculate Mother, is all clean and pure without the blemish of original sin. Being Immaculate may cause some to hesitate in reaching out to Mary. Any hesitation on our part denies Our Lady’s request that we come as close as we possibly can to her and to embrace her with all our heart.

From the beginning, Mary has been open to all people in search of salvation. After the Angel Gabriel gave Mary the good news at the Annunciation, Our Lady did not keep the good news to herself; Mary shared it. Mary shared the love of God. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,” said Mary [Luke 1:46].

Throughout the centuries, Mary has continued to share God's love by inviting people to visit with her. “Would you do me the kindness to come here,” said Our Lady to little Bernadette of Lourdes, France in 1858.  Imagine the Mother of God coming to earth and asking for the kindness of a visitation; Mary does not impose herself on anyone. Her message: Do not be afraid; her purpose—to unite us with her Son, Jesus Christ.

Therefore, let us bring Mary into our homes and love her as our heavenly mother. When we embrace Mary, we embrace all that Our Lady holds dear—God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

God knows we need that completely human connection—Mary—to help us on our journey. So let us come closer to Mary.  Our Lady will help us unite our lives with Jesus who will save us—because no one comes to God the Father except through Jesus Christ. [John 14:6]  Let us continue our Journey.