Some of you may remember "Sowing a Seed" and our Christmas Creche in the Woods, the setting for a round of impromptu outdoor caroling. Today was First Saturday, and, in accordance with our custom of the past few months, the girls and I went to Confession before making a happy memory together with our monthly outing. This month's destination: Barnes & Noble Bookstore followed by Ben's Restaurant and ice cream!
Returning home, I had a surprise in store for them. As darkness dashed the last lingering light from the western sky, we left the house bearing a fat candle. The children had no idea what to expect, but could see a few faint rays round a corner from a distance.
Hastening toward it and rounding the bend, their eyes met a brilliantly lighted image of Our Lady, now known in our family as "The Madonna of the Woods." Four years ago, we used to keep this large and lovely medallion on the wall of the glass porch in our old house, and none of them have seen it since. The younger ones did not even remember it and gazed wide-eyed in wonder and admiration.
Standing outside, under a cloak of blackness spangled with stars, we sang our favorite Marian Hymns: Ave Maria, Hail Holy Queen Enthroned Above, Salve Regina, O Most Holy One--another small seed planted in fertile spring soil.
That's the beauty of the Liturgical Year. Delight lies around every corner.
"That's the beauty of the Liturgical Year. Delight lies around every corner."
Truly! Truly, it does.
What a beautiful image, Alice.
Posted by: Cay in La. | May 06, 2007 at 09:22 AM
Stunning!
Posted by: Maria | May 06, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Beautiful! Can I go on one of your outings?
Posted by: Cheryl | May 06, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Very beautiful, Alice!
Posted by: Cheryl M. | May 06, 2007 at 04:08 PM
It's lovely!
Posted by: Suzanne Temple | May 06, 2007 at 05:56 PM
Wonderful!
Posted by: Theresa | May 06, 2007 at 08:03 PM
The medallion of Our Lady and her sweet Baby is just beautiful. I have never seen one like it before. What a special night!
Posted by: Rebecca | May 06, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Can I just say...
WOW!!!
Posted by: Helen (Mary Vitamin) | May 06, 2007 at 09:24 PM
How wonderful the delights you show your children, Alice. Awe inspiring!
Posted by: Account Deleted | May 06, 2007 at 09:25 PM
So very beautiful.
Posted by: Beck | May 06, 2007 at 09:39 PM
WOW, what more can I say?? Truly stunning!
Posted by: Meredith | May 06, 2007 at 09:51 PM
You must have sounded heavenly! What a lovely night.
Posted by: Kimberlee | May 06, 2007 at 10:41 PM
What a beautiful post to read just before I retire for the evening!
Posted by: Kristen Laurence | May 07, 2007 at 01:09 AM
What a beautiful surprise for your children!
Posted by: Alicia | May 07, 2007 at 08:14 AM
Wow. I am speechless.
Posted by: matilda | May 07, 2007 at 09:03 AM
How wonderful a tribute to Our Holy Mother. Your children are so blessed.
Posted by: Barbara | May 07, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Alice, what a sweet surprise for your children! It is a gorgeous medallion!
Posted by: Jane Ramsey | May 07, 2007 at 04:08 PM
Alice, you always have the most wonderful ideas for teaching the children about their faith, the liturgy, love for Our Lady and the Saints, etc., etc.! They are growing up to love and respect their God and ALL He has given them! You are making such an impact on their lives both now and in the future! Once they are grown with little ones of their own they will realize the sweet wisdom of their earthly Mother and how very blest they were and are to have you in their lives!
Posted by: betty | May 07, 2007 at 05:57 PM
What a lovely guide you are on this path for your young ones. Thank for sharing it with us. You enrich our lives so much.
Posted by: KC | May 07, 2007 at 11:30 PM
Cheers, nice to there are some gud guys here to support Sanath. Some guys are tanklig like donkeys. they dont kno about Sanath. He was the No 1 batsman & he was the most successful captain in Sri lanka. Am i right??? so just think about that he was a worrier for last decade he sometimes fighted alone to protect our team from loses so now they are not tanklig about that.i dnt like the captancy of Sanga(only wat i see) eventhou he handles the pressure when he is batting he cant handdle the pressure when he is in the field & he doesnt like to get others support. AS A CAPTAIN he has to get 100% from others not only performences the ideas too i havent seen much that hes tanklig with others when hes arranging the feild mostly with Sanath he doesnt talk with him he can have some gud ideas with Sanath.no point of tanklig with him he will retire when he want as he did with his captancy so now we have to cheer our players to the victory in this USA tournament so we'll support our team no more arguments ok guys.. this is our team we cant change it now so come on all now we'll blow out kiwis this tym hope Sana will come to his blastering form again with Dilshan Go SL GO . (0)
Posted by: Tiago | April 24, 2012 at 01:49 AM