Why the Virgin Mary Matters in Spiritual Life

Why the Virgin Mary Matters in Spiritual Life

By Arthur R Policarpio

Is the Blessed Virgin Mary "necessary" in spiritual life?

For Catholics, the answer is a clear, resounding YES. Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is an integral part of the Catholic Faith. Together with belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, devotion to the Blessed Virgin is what clearly differentiates the Catholic from non-Catholics.

And yet, should devotion to the Virgin Mary be the exclusive domain of Catholics? Or is this a precious spiritual heritage that Jesus left not just for Catholics - but for everyone, including our non-Catholic brethren?

It is interesting to note that an increasing trend currently is the conversion of so many previously high-profile non-Catholics to the Catholic Faith. Fierce attackers of devotion to the Virgin Mary during their non-Catholic days, these non-Catholic converts, upon converting to Catholicism, ironically end up the fiercest defenders of devotion to the Virgin Mary. In fact, many of these converts attribute their conversion to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

One such convert is Steve Ray, a prominent Catholic convert who previously tried almost the entire spectrum of various sects - Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Fundamentalist, Evangelical, etc. Eventually, he found true meaning and happiness upon progressively reading book upon book, especially those by early Church fathers.

Interestingly, Steve Ray notes that their decision to enter the Church was on January 1st, the Feast of the great Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Nowadays, Steve Ray spends his time defending the Catholic Faith, through talks, seminars, and even appearances in prominent global channels such as EWTN.

Why the need for the Virgin Mary in our spiritual life?

The answer lies in the example of Jesus. Our Lord Jesus could have come to the world through a multitude of means. He could have come in a cloud of glory, in a blazing chariot. He could have parted the seas, and appeared in the middle of the parted waters in all his glory. Or He could have simply just materialized out of thin air.

And yet, the clear, undeniable fact is that Jesus chose to come to our world through the Virgin Mary. This is a clear fact that simply cannot be denied. Jesus came to our world through Mary. Is it not proper, therefore, for all of us to go to Jesus through the same way - through Mary?

Moreover, Jesus spent 90% of His entire life in the company of Mary - He spent thirty years with Mary in His undocumented "hidden life", then spent His remaining three years with the rest of the world for His public ministry.

Is the Virgin Mary necessary for our spiritual life? Again, the answer lies in Jesus' own example. Mary, solely through the grace of God, was necessary for Jesus' own life on earth - she is the way chosen by God to bring salvation to our world.

We all need Mary in our lives. Not just Catholics, but everyone needs the Virgin in their lives. After all, we all need a mother in our lives. The word "mother" is a wonderful chord that strikes the heart of all human beings. The mother is the human being's first experience of love, life, joy and happiness in this earthly life. Our spiritual mother, the Virgin Mary, is our first experience of love, life, joy, and happiness in our spiritual life.

Get to know our Virgin Mother more. Read up about her, study her - there are many websites that contain free articles about the Virgin Mary. Get to know our Virgin mother more, love her more - and you will see what miracles are in your own life!

Get free articles on the Virgin Mary! Totus Tuus Maria is your complete online resource for well-researched, easy-to-read articles on the Catholic Faith.

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My Holy Rosary
SAM
Saints and More
Gifts for Baby Baptisms and Christenings

Unique Baby Christening Or Baptism Gifts Create Memorable Keepsakes

Unique Baby Christening Or Baptism Gifts Create Memorable Keepsakes

By Caroline Miller

Baby christening gifts are special in the life of a child, not only because they offer unique inspirational values and gels the family together, but also because it is the first step of Catholicism towards which the baby moves.

Christening and Baptism are two terms that are used interchangeably. While baptizing is a sacrament in the Catholic Church, christening can be used instead of baptizing also. Christening, by the way, also refers to the process of giving the baby a Christian name. Some other religions also baptize and christen babies, with term such as anointing and baby dedication given to this process. The process might seem too religious, but is used world wide.

Christening presents can be really fun and bring about a sense of belonging in your young one. There are certain christening gift ideas that are a hit the world over. Shadow boxes are one of the most unique and personalize-able baby christening gifts. A shadow box is a box containing a glass encasing on the face of it. Christening and baptism memorabilia such as baptism certificates, christening photographs, christening gown, the invitation and some related things can be kept in the box. The glass framing serves as the cover of the box, and may include a photograph or a name plate of the person the box belongs to.

Lockets and christening jewelry also make wonderful christening gifts. Lockets might contain the baby's picture at the time of christening, and serves as a gift that one can cherish for the rest of his life. Christening jewelry such as crosses in various forms, shapes and sizes can also be given as a gift. Crosses are primarily used as chains meant to be worn around the neck. But nowadays, rings and bangles having a cross embarked somewhere are also in the market and act more as style statement than christening gifts. If your child is a little grown up, and wants the hip alternative, you can always get him a cross tattoo or a ring as a christening present.

Another addition to this string of christening baby gifts is the Holy Bible. The Bible is probably the most-given christening gift in the world. There can be a few variations though. You can couple the Bible with a shadow box or another christening gift, preferably a piece of jewelry. The whole thing can be packed nicely in a christening gift wrapper, with a prayer or small note attached to it. This makes a perfect keepsake, and nothing could be more valuable to your baby than the Holy Bible itself. You can also add a small, personal rosary with the Bible and the prayer note to complete your baby christening gift. The Bible given alone also impresses an astounding effect on the child.

These were some of the most used gift ideas pertaining to christening presents. You can add your bits and pieces to these gifts to make them unique. The gift you choose would certainly depend upon your relationship with the baby. For example, a Bible would deem perfect if it is gifted by the parents or the grandparents, rather than from some one who is remotely associated with the 'family'.

This author lives in Hampton, NJ with her husband and 5 month old daughter and is an expert contributing author for a luxury unique baby gifts boutique offering variety of baptism gifts, baby gift baskets, handprint footprint kits and more.

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Catholic Jewelry 5 Way Medals

Unique Baby Christening Gifts - Picking the Ideal Baptism

Unique Baby Christening Gifts - Picking the Ideal Baptism Gift

By Catherine Jacobson

Usually, a baby's first gift is received during his christening. A baby undergoes christening, commonly known as baptism, to grant the baby his formal name and accept him in a family or church. This event calls for a gathering among relatives and friends. Celebration of this once in a lifetime event for every person does not really require gift giving. However, by tradition, guests and relatives give presents to the christened baby.

Christening is a tradition itself. It is a ceremony that is important in a person's life, so the parents of the celebrant surely want this celebration to always be remembered even after many years have passed. Today, what kind of presents do guests, especially the godparents, give the baby to make the event memorable? Do we need to follow the old, elegant Victorian tradition of giving something useful in silver like silver cross necklace or silver egg cups? Or shall we be practical enough to give the parents and the celebrant something that matches their way of life and something very usable? Will it be offending on our part if we prefer giving informal gifts?

Common baby christening gifts given during christening are clothing, toys and blankets. Some give more expensive items like strollers, play pens and moses blanket. However, if you are the one to make a list of baptism gifts after the ceremony, you will notice that the most popular baby christening gifts are made up of baby suits, shoes, socks, sweaters, pajamas, headband for girls and caps for boys. These vary in colors, design and especially the sizes. Everybody usually give allowances because it is better to have the item bigger than one or two sizes smaller. Some baptism gifts can only be used during special occasions and costume parties.

One of the unique baby christening gifts are blankets, especially the ones with the baby's name embroidered on it. Such items are favorites of the parents. Toys are also wonderful to give and to receive. Colorful gifts always attract a baby's attention. Although it can be outgrown, children still like playing with their old toys like rag dolls and stuffed toys.

If you want unique baby christening gifts and have the money to afford it, silver items like bracelets, necklace or comb are most welcomed by parents. However, if you can't afford such a lavish baptism gift but still want your gift to stand out, another ideal gift suggestion is a baby gift basket. Baby baskets may contain soft toys, crib-side music, baby blankets and sleeping bags; some include teethers, pacifiers and baby wash cloths.

Personalized gifts always stand out, no matter how inexpensive they can be. It shows closeness and concern for the baby. Examples of these personalized items are baby picture frames and photo albums.

As you can see, there are plenty of choices for baby christening gifts. Depending on your budget and need, you can always get yourself a unique baptism gift for the parents and the baby to remember you.

However, in spite of all the preparations for the ceremony, do not forget the godparents. These people are supposed to help the parents guide the child in his growing up years, at the same time loving the child in the same way a parent does. Instead of a thank you card, parents opt to give godparents of their child jewelry as a memento of the said event. If you find it too expensive, then you can opt for a personalized photo frame with the godparent holding the baby.

Catherine Jacobsen is a mother of three and is passionate about gifts for young families. She recommends visiting Blissliving.com for baby christening gifts, which has a large selection of unique baptism gifts.

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