Just a month ago, on September 8 the Church celebrated the birthday of Mary. Is this the correct date? It’s anyone’s guess. But the point is to honor Mary, and wishing “Happy birthday!” is one way to focus on the Mother of God. I am very blessed to be raised by parents who gave honor to Mary. They purchased a large statue of Mary for our living room. Every evening we prayed the rosary near that statue. We kept the First Fridays and First Saturdays by attending the weekday Mass. We were given little rosaries for our tiny fingers. When old enough, we led the rosary and stated the mysteries.

Parents, grandparents, teachers, you have such influence over children. Provide for them all the helps and reminders about living their faith. I’m sure Anne and Joachim raised Mary with reminders of their Jewish faith and its observances. What an impact Mary’s parents had upon her! Mary could say yes to becoming the mother of God.