Reflection: The Most Holy Name of Mary...

According to Jewish custom, Our Lady's parents named her eight days after her birth.  They were inspired to call her Mary. Today is the Feast Day of the Most Holy Name of Mary. On this day dedicated to the Most Holy Name of Mary, let us repeat that wonderful Prayer of Saint Bernard to invite everyone to become a trusting child before Mary, even as the Son of God did. Saint Bernard says, and we say with him:

Look to the star of the sea, call upon Mary. In danger, in distress, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. May her name never be far from your lips, or far from your heart. If you follow her, you will not stray; if you pray to her, you will not despair; if you turn your thoughts to her, you will not err. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear; if she is your guide, you will not tire; if she is gracious to you, you will surely reach your destination.

There were many meanings given by the early Christian writers and perpetuated by the Greek Fathers to Mary's name. "Bitter Sea," "Myrrh of the Sea," "The Light Giver," "The Enlightened One," "Lady," "Seal of the Lord," and "Mother of the Lord." From the time of Saint Jerome until the 16th century, the names given to Mary in the West were "Lady," "Bitter Sea," "The Light Giver," and especially "Star of the Sea." Stella Maris was by far the favored interpretation. The Hebrew name of Mary, Miryãm, (in Latin Domina) means lady or sovereign.  Mary is in virtue of her Son's sovereign authority as Lord of the World. We call Mary our Lady as we call Jesus our Lord, and when we pronounce her name we affirm her power, implore her aid and place ourselves under her protection.

I have always felt so grateful to share the name of Mary. I am sure that my devotion to her from a very early age came from having her name, as well as from my parent's devotion to her. I have called upon Mary throughout my whole life and she is always at my side. I know her and she knows me. She helps me with my struggles, weaknesses and fears and she always leads me to her Beloved Son. I know that the Rosary and my Consecration to Jesus through Mary have given me strength and direction in my spiritual life.

Has it been a while since you went to confession? Ask Mary to accompany you. She will go to confession with you, she will wrap her mantle around you and she will help you speak to the priest who is "In Persona Christi" Jesus Himself. Ask Mary to help you to bring your miseries to confession. Jesus is there waiting for you. He will speak words of love and mercy to you.

If you want to know Mary better, pray the rosary and consecrate your life to Jesus through Mary. She will protect, guide and lead you and she will always remain near to you and those who are dear to you.

Saint Ephrem said, "that the name of Mary is the key of the gates of heaven," in the hands of those who devoutly invoke it.

O sweet Mother Mary, we call upon your Most Holy Name and entrust our prayers to you, our Most Loving Mother.