My 17th Day/NIght

So far, I only missed one or two nights which I made up by praying more than once during the day and night.  I find myself getting lazy during the prayers or hurrying through them.  I need to get myself to the place where words and given prayers took on meaning and closeness to Mary and Jesus.  But...at least I"m still on that path.

My #9 Night

Two days have gone by since I began this blog.  I just completed my 9th night of the 54 Day Miracle Rosary Novena.  This full novena prayer is on http://www.prayerflowers.com/.  Just scroll a bit down and click on the "54 Day Miracle Rosary Novena.  Thank you Prayerflowers.com!!  You're fantastic!!

May 2011 Altar to Mary

This is just a simple dedication altar to the Blessed Virgin Mary set up on May 1st.  I began my 54 Day Miracle Rosary Novena on Monday, May 9th. 

From left to right: a bouquet of roses (somewhat aged since I got it on Mother's Day), a small print of the crowned Virgin Mary and the child Jesus laminated on wood, a print of Our Perpetual Lady of Help (large centered photo), a classic statuette of the Virgin Mary (with a 9 Day Novena cord) on top of my prayer box that usually houses my rosary beads and other things such as prayers printed on small note paper or items that are related to the prayer (when I pray to win something from the lottery, I put in the money that I will be using to purchase the ticket).  Then in the front row from left to right: a small bottle of Holy Water, my jewelry case that houses my beautiful 18k plated necklace from a company called Virgins, Saints, & Angels, a row of votive candle holders each representing someone I am praying for, although the last one is represented of our world as a whole.

I am not Catholic

I grew up Buddhist with parents who didn't really practice Buddhism. Instead, I grew up wondering about churches and Jesus.  As I grew older I wanted to learn Hebrew and study the Torah.  When I went to college, I became a born-again Christian (the kind that was evangelical), but secretly studied Islam and wanted to know about the Kabbalah.  Confused?  NO!  I just wanted to know it all.  No doubt, I've learned everything from Wicca to Kriya Yoga. Being on the path to learning and striving to learn about God, I did narrow it down to Christianity as the preferred choice of faith.  I incorporate meditation and prayer every day. 

Although I am currently active in a Protestant church, I am very drawn to the Catholic traditions.  Superficially, I love the sanctuaries and altars that represent glory and a physical place on which to focus and display my intent.  But then again, I realized that even as a child, I have always been the type to love and honor sanctuaries and altars.  Beginning May 1st, I created an altar for the Blessed Mother Mary.  I have always been drawn to her and to this day am very curious about her.  I created it to simply honor her, but also because I began the 54 Day Rosary Novena as I am praying for one specific thing.  It's a doozy of a prayer request.  I normally pray at night and tonight is #7.