Immaculate Heart of Mary by Gina Switzer

Immaculate Heart of Mary by Gina Switzer

http://www.ginaswitzer.com

Note from Michele & Emily:  We’ve asked our readers to share with us their stories of mercy.   Today we are delighted to share our first post from our friend Michele about Marian Consecration.

My Marian Consecration and Motherhood have gone hand-in-hand for me. In 2011, I prepared for and completed Fr. Michael E. Gaitley’s do-it-yourself retreat and consecrated my entire life to Jesus through Mary on May 31, The Visitation. I asked Mary to please be gentle, but to work her masterpiece of grace in my life; to take away what was not pleasing to her and to add that which was of her Son’s will for my life and the life of my family. Almost immediately, the high-powered career of which I was quite proud started to lose it’s grip on me. I asked my family what they thought of me selling my business and being a stay-at-home Mom for the first time ever. I was astounded at their elation! Of course I said “yes” to Mary on this matter, as well as the various volunteer opportunities that just seemed to magically appear in my life such as The Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference, a Women’s Faith Sharing Group at my Parish, and various Leadership positions within these and other Catholic ministries. My husband and I said “yes” to a Parish Trip to Italy where we renewed our marriage vows of 15 years. We then said “yes” to Natural Family Planning and 4 months later learned we would be having our 3rd daughter! I think Mary had to laugh just a little when I first made my consecration and wondered where in this vast World she would take me to do the work of her and her Son – missionary trips to Africa perhaps? For my particular situation, and all women are different, Mary wanted me to dive right into the heart of my home. I couldn’t be more thankful for the unshakable joy that I feel, even in times of trouble since making these changes in my life. “Totus Tuus”, Mary. My family and I are totally yours. – Michele, mom of 3, Galena, Ohio

Copyright 2015 Michele Faehnle & Emily Jaminet