Blessed Is She candle, Rosary Bird Rosary, and Marge Fenelon's book... a perfect October mix. |
Last month I visited the magnificent Basilica of St. Josephat in Milwaukee with my husband.
We had never been there – nor had we even heard of it. But a friend of mine owns Stella Maris Tours, LLC, and I was helping to promote a pilgrimage, so I went up to grab some photos and to share with our parishioners some of its beauty.
As my husband and I drove into the heart of Milwaukee and entered the Lincoln Village neighborhood, we found ourselves in front of a massive church with a large, gilded dome.
We walked through the doors and experienced one of the most beautiful churches – detailed plasterwork, stunning chandeliers, beautiful stained glass, and an intricate and reverent sanctuary. It was truly spectacular. The dome, itself was incredible to see in person.
We spent a lot of time looking around and taking in everything, but we eventually made our way down to the gift shop where I met a gentleman who was working there. We chatted, and he eventually told me about his wife who was an author.
I was genuinely interested in this woman’s work after speaking with her husband. I asked him if the gift shop sold her book. He said they did not, but he told me that I could find it on the usual shopping sites or her website.
He did have a copy of one of her books – Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena in his bag, and I flipped through it. It looked so good to me that I decided to order it as soon as we got to the car.
I couldn't wait to have the book in my hands!
As soon as the book arrived, I dove right in.
I love the imagery that surrounds Our Lady, Undoer of Knots.
Our lives are so full of tangles – and our knots can be so gnarled and gangly. There are so many times we get ourselves into situations we feel almost incapable of getting out of … and Our Lady reminds us that we are never beyond God’s grasp. He uses us in our brokenness. He uses us in our imperfection. He raises us up from our knotty life. By His grace, our knots are loosened. By His grace, they are undone. Through Mary’s love, we have the courage to lay them at our Lord’s feet. Through Mary's love, we have the courage to ask our Lord for forgiveness.
Walking this Rosary novena with Fenelon was so beautifully unique. Her description of locations I'll probably never have the opportunity to see guided me through the Holy Land. I could easily envision the places she described. Though I have never been there, I could place myself in the spaces. Through her vivid imagery, I could see in my mind the places Jesus walked, lived, prayed, and created friendships.
Each chapter focuses on a specific “knot” in our lives – and ties it to a specific location and event in Jesus' life. Attached to each day of this rosary novena is a special intention for peace in the Holy Land.
Unbeknownst to me, I finished this Rosary Novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, on the eve of the anniversary of the attacks on Israel. After praying for eight days for peace in the Holy Land, I saw God hand in my chance meeting.
His wisdom is perfect. I’ve always been keenly aware of the people I meet every day. They leave marks on my heart. I remember them long after we’ve said goodbye. I pray for them when they pop into my mind.
I had Hebrew 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” laid on my heart in a powerful way as a teen (thank you, Michael W. Smith). Angels or humans, I became hyper aware of the people God put in my path. I knew there were no coincidences ... just perfect plans.
I met Marge’s husband for a reason that day. I began this novena on the perfect day. I walked this Rosary journey with Marge's words at the exact time God desired it for me.
I am so incredibly blessed to have added Marge to my list of favorite authors.
If you are in Milwaukee, I highly suggest visiting the Basilica of St. Josephat. You won’t regret it. And, if you ever feel the Holy Spirit begging you to start up a conversation with a stranger … do it. You never know what God has in mind for you!