“He makes everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
“For as far back as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with the Visitation. As a child, I would lie on the floor in my living room, open up our family Bible, turn to the colorful pages on the mysteries of the Rosary, and stop at the one where Mary and her cousin Elizabeth embrace on the doorstep of Elizabeth’s home, marveling at the sacred secret of their hidden blessings.”
So begins the opening paragraph of my chapter, “Mary of the Visitation: My Mission from the Walking Madonna,” written for a collaborative book project with my fellow Praise Writers entitled Crowned with Grace: A Collection of Marian Titles and Devotions. That memoir moment became more than a reflection – as it marked the beginning of an unfolding awareness God had been “gradually forming within me”1 for many years.
What began as an idea to create a sacred space to write and share pieces of my spiritual journey has slowly evolved into a Marian-inspired mission of accompaniment through The Wells of Grace. Never would I have imagined Mary’s central maternal presence on this site and in my work. Although I love and honor Mary, I did not have an extraordinary connection to her. But I’ve learned that when it comes to ways and plans – God’s are always higher.
Stirrings of this Marian influence began to emerge in 2019 when I first consecrated myself to Jesus through Mary on the Feast of the Visitation. Following Father Michael Gaitley’s 33 Days to Morning Glory, I found myself especially moved by St. Mother Teresa’s desire to remain in Mary’s “most pure heart,” and St. John Paul II’s holy surrender, “Totus tuus,” – “Totally yours.” Maybe this was because each saint was current and familiar, incredible gifts to my generation.
Yet now, seven years later, I find myself increasingly drawn to Louis de Montfort and Maximillan Kolbe, two saints responsible for boldly awakening an urgency in me to embrace and elevate Our Holy Mother through the heart of their inspired writing.
In what felt like a quiet God-wink, the Holy Spirit drew my attention to a treasured photograph of my grandmother holding me in her arms on the day of my Baptism, my eyes fixed on her knowing gaze. Later I also discovered her funeral prayer card, of the Miraculous Medal, tucked inside the pages of my consecration book, reminding me of her prayerful influence throughout my life. Together, these small moments awakened an awareness of the sacred thread connecting baptism, spiritual inheritance, motherhood, and a steadfast faith lovingly passed through generations, directing me to Mary’s wisdom, humility and significance on the call in my life.
As I prepare for my consecration, I’m choosing words from each of the four saints’ witnesses and personal consecration prayers. Along with de Montfort’s Gift, Kolbe’s Mystery, Mother Teresa’s Heart and John Paul II’s Mercy, used previously, this year I’m reaching into the ancient well of salvation to embrace Baptism, Love, Covenant and Mother, striving for a more intimate union with Jesus through Mary, which is only possible with her Spouse, the Holy Spirit.
Pausing to ponder, perhaps that is what this journey has always been about — not building something for myself, but learning to become more attentive to the quiet work of the Holy Spirit – the same Spirit who overshadowed Mary, stirred Elizabeth’s joy, guided the saints, and continues to lead me gently toward Christ through accompaniment, formation, and engagement with the Word.
And perhaps that is also the heart of The Wells of Grace – creating a sacred space rooted in Scripture, prayer, and tradition where others can pause, ponder, and draw nearer to God through reflection, encouragement, and community.
Like Mary on the road to Elizabeth, I hope to walk gently alongside others — carrying Christ quietly within the ordinary moments of life while trusting that, in His perfect timing, God continues to make all things beautiful.
Laurie, thanks for the reminder to “pause and ponder” each day along the journey, trusting in the Holy Spirit and Mama Mary to lead us on the path to Jesus and Our Father. God bless you in this powerful and most special ministry!