The Flying Novena
Every rosary created has a story. I usually ask who people’s patron saints are. Those who are not catholic, during the sacrament of confirmation, catechumens and candidates for confirmation, have the option to choose a Saint as a second name, much like Peter and Paul did in the scriptures. During our current day, we do not typically go by those names, unless you are the Pope. Pope Leo took a new name when he was elected.
Today I was thinking about the Mother Theresa rosary that was created. It was created for one of the women on the ACTS retreat that I attended in April. This group of lovely ladies is my first inspiration for the saint rosaries. There are several other inspirations spread throughout my life as well. ACTS retreats have been a catalyst for spiritual growth for me. You can look them up on-line. The priest at my church summed them up perfectly though “It is the one retreat where you can see the Holy Spirit working and HE continues to work long after that retreat is over.” Each retreat seems geared specifically for those who attend it, and trust me there are a LOT of nos.
This particular lady is full of life and energy. Her thoughts as well as her laugh comes quickly, full speed ahead. I thought about Mother Theresa and wow, you could see it, but you had to look beneath the surface. The amount Mother Theresa was able to accomplish is truly amazing. She had to be going full speed ahead in order to do it all in the short time she was here on earth. She was full of love and she had a second calling after the original. The lady has many parallels. The novena for Mother Theresa is the Flying Novena where you pray 9 Memorares in a row. (some will add a 10th in thanksgiving). Mother Theresa had few possessions and a life full of prayer and service. Instead of making intentions for the future she would pray a Flying Novena while she was with the person.
I have found by asking those about their patron saints, that it works opposite of how I thought. I thought we were choosing the saints. Through this last retreat, I have found that the saints choose us. The more I ask, am told, and research the saints, I can recognize how many parallels the saints have with their chosen. If a saint keeps appearing in your life, even if your not catholic- take some time to look them up. You are seeing them for a reason.
The Memorare
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
AMEN.
