Grande Prairie, Alberta: St. Joseph's Church

Mary, Ever Present, Ever Constant

Charlene Loxam:

We allow Mary to take us by the hand and lead us to her Son. That is the surest way to grow in holiness. We can never love Mother Mary more than her son, Jesus, does. We don’t need to be afraid.

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Full of Grace

Chris Moore:

Thinking about Mary and what she went through and how she responded gives me great encouragement to go on in faith. She is, without question, ‘Full of Grace.’ I really could not think of my life and faith without her.

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Discovering Mary

Darlene Lemay:

The main reason I became Catholic was for the reverence and love of the Holy Eucharist. I had never thought of Mary’s contribution to the sacrificial love I received. My heart was moved as I identified my love for my children with Mary’s love of Jesus.

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Miraculous Mary

Elias Marin:

I give credit to the Almighty for anything that ever happens to me whether it is something I wanted or needed. I also give Him credit when it doesn’t seem to go my way. I strongly believe that in the long run it will be in my favor since I have the Faith that God knows best for me and it is His will.

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A Love We Didn't Have to Earn

Elias Marin:

Mary is my mother and through prayer and the Rosary I build my relationship with her. I talk to her the same way I talk to my biological mom. I open up to her with how I feel and the things that trouble me. I ask for her help knowing that her love for me never fails.

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Growing Up With Mary

Irene Llanto:

I realize our blessed Mother is always there guiding me along the way and bringing me people who have a close relationship to her and her son our Lord Jesus. I am sure she will continue to be my prayer partner/ intercessor for the rest of my life. Prayers to her will always lead me to be closer to God.

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Special Comfort

Joanne Chiasson:

As I’ve grown and began to reflect on my relationship with Mary, it really isn’t anything huge or profound but more quiet and solid, and ever-present. It’s no surprise my relationship is exactly as I see Mary was for Jesus – always there for Him, she is always there to comfort me in her prayer.

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Mary was a Mom

Joanne Chiasson:

I have found myself reciting the Hail Mary prayer when I just need a moment, to take a breath before responding to the situation at hand. When I do this, things just seem clearer and escalated situations, de-escalate – some days it can be a simple as “Mary, what would you do? How would you have reacted? Would you have reacted?”

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That's My Mom

Jocelyne Garant:

Mary has been a part of my life as far as I can remember but now, she’s not just some nice lady in the sky, she’s my mom. Whenever I see an image of her I say, “that’s my mom!” or “Hey, my mom is here” and I get these funny looks until they realize, I’m talking about Mary.

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Mary, Purveyor of Growth

Mary-Ann Lynch:

Taking time to spend with a loved one or someone I would like to know better has always had its blessings. This includes the times I’ve reflected on Mary or asked her to pray for me. I’ll be on this journey of getting to know Mary better for the rest of my life and I’m looking forward to the growth that results from it.

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Seeking Solidarity with Mary

Mary-Ann Lynch:

The decision to follow Mary's example is easy, but making sure my actions, my words, my thoughts and my choices line up with that example……that’s not always easy. Mary had and still has a very significant role in God’s blueprint of salvation; and that is to lead us to Jesus.

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Following Mary to Jesus with Child-Like Faith

Nicole Popek:

Holy Mary Immaculate now became a personal friend, not an image to ponder or someone distant to wait for in prayer; She moves within me, leading me closer to Christ, helping me to obtain more spiritual graces. I know her now as a true Mother who wants to bless Her children and lead them closer to God.

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Mary and My Return to Mass

Nicole Popek:

It is Our Holy Mother Mary I turn to before Mass to help me receive Jesus more, present in the Holy Eucharist, She who loves to draw us continually closer to Her Son, helps me to be more fully nourished in my pilgrim journey.

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Concescration to Jesus Through the Hands of Mary

Nicole Popek:

Holy Mary, who is so intimately united to the Holy Spirit, renewed, and continues to renew, the gifts of the Holy Spirit within me. I can now more fully see Christ in my surroundings, in my husband and in my children.

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The Family That Prays Together Stays Together

Trish Bain:

I’ll never forget viewing, “The Song of Bernadette” as well as, “The Children of Fatima”. These movies showed the Marian apparitions. I remember being moved to tears. The words of the Blessed Mother affected me deeply. I never forgot her message to pray the rosary.

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My Faith Journey with Mary

Trish Bain:

Throughout my married life, I have tried to pass on to my husband and children that our Beautiful Mother will be there to lead us to her son, Jesus. Through prayer, the Sacraments and involvement in the life of our parish, we can enrich and nourish our relationship with Jesus and His Mother.

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Praying to Mary

Allan Forsberg:

Mary knew that God was always with her and that she need not be afraid, no matter what was happening around her. It is that trust and faith that inspires me when I pray with Mary. I sensed this truth as a child, and know it firmly as an adult today.

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