A Pause That Refreshes

Source: the southencross.org.au

While I was growing up the slogan: The Pause That Refreshes was used by a famous soda pop company called Coca Cola.

As the morning sun streamed through my dining room window today, I felt the warmth of spring flooding my face, and smiled when I realized that the rosary in my hand also provides: A Pause That Refreshes!

Praying a daily rosary has become the first duty of my day. I have to admit that for the last ten years, the rosary became a “when I have time” act and I am ashamed that after all that she had done for me, I had not honoured Our Lady the way she deserved.

The Blessed Virgin brought so many special things into my life; a weekly radio show for two years called A CIRCLE OF LOVE, with the rosary as the main feature, the organization of an event called PRAYERS FOR PEACE in 1986 when a few thousand people prayed for world peace in our community, and even,  the gift of a second husband who was a promoter of THE MARIAN MOVEMENT OF PRIESTS.

Our Lady has been a part of my faith life for about forty years, and she has kept me company through the ups and downs of an artistic lifestyle, as well as too many times of grief.

Last July, when we celebrated Canada Day, I promised her that from that day on until my last breath, I would spend time with her praying her rosary prayers every day. I had heard about a special event that would occur in September, when the Bishops of Canada would consecrate our country to Our Lady, and that convinced me that I must be more diligent about showing her my appreciation.

Providence also permitted a special gift when a friend invited me to travel to Ottawa with her to attend this event at Notre Dame Basilica. Archbishop Terrence Prendergast officiated and it was a glorious Mass that concluded with the consecration of Canada to Our Lady.

I have heard comments about the prayers of the rosary that some people find them boring, or that they induce drowsiness; a feeling of relaxation is usually my experience. I pray the prayers out loud if I am feeling sleepy, and the sound of my voice keeps me focused.

A friend recently shared with me that she and her husband kneel together every evening during Lent to pray the rosary together. They are in their late sixties and were high school sweethearts. They have always made this effort before Easter and I am confident that Our Lady has helped them in their married life.

As a creative person, it has occurred to me that some very good ideas have been inspired in my heart during the prayers of the rosary. In fact, the title of this article came to me while praying the Joyful Mysteries, and so, once again, Our Lady gifted me with another reminder of her presence in my life.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, keep praying for those of us who know that we are sinners, and are grateful for your faithfulness and companionship. Amen.

Joan Levy Earle was an author and artist living in Cornwall, Ontario. She was the former Associate Editor of the Canadian Messenger of the Sacred Heart magazine.

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3 Comments
  • darcy Mann
    Posted at 10:58h, 07 July Reply

    I know how much father respected and admired the mother of Jesus, Mary.

  • Peter Bisson, SJ
    Posted at 11:37h, 07 July Reply

    Thank you Joan!

  • Esther Buckley
    Posted at 22:22h, 17 July Reply

    My mother prayed the Rosary every day of her life . Sorry to say I don’t do the same but say the Rosary occasionally. I guess I should say it more often .
    I enjoyed your Blog and admire your faith.

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