Most Admirable

There are many interesting side-effects that can be associated with being a child of the Sacred Heart. Things were different when I was there ages ago, but some of the traditions have not changed a bit. I have always had trouble explaining to others why it was perfectly acceptable in my mind to direct my prayers to Mary as opposed to, say, Jesus or God. It is an understatement to say that ASH encourages a spiritual relationship with Mary. After just a few months there, La Luz is already brainwashed. She knows Mary as "Mater" and has information about every little detail of Mater's life.

I have a light blue pashmina that Molls picked up for me on the streets of NYC a few years ago. I think I wear it at least once a week in the cooler weather. Everytime I put it on La Luz is ecstatic and says, "wow, you are mater, mater, mater". She always asks me to swaddle her and then asks to wear it, much like this:


I kind of think it is incredible that she already appreciates Mary. It is sweet and sentimental to me. The sing-song grace that she learned is new to me, but is certainly a lovely habit that makes mealtime more beautiful. The spiritual, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" that can occasionally be heard over the baby monitor at 7:00 a.m. is another story...