Beads of Joy Blog II (2025)

St. Thérèse and the Rosary: A Saint's Simple Path to Mary's Heart St. Thérèse of Lisieux may have lived only 24 years, but her approach to the Rosary offers us one of the most refreshing and accessible ways to connect with Our Lady. Born into a devoutly Catholic family in 1873, Thérèse discovered early on that Mary wasn't just a figure to be admired from afar, but a loving mother eager to be part of her daily life. When her own mother died when she was just four, young Thérèse naturally turned to the Blessed Mother, and this relationship would shape everything about her spiritual journey. The turning point came when ten-year-old Thérèse was gravely ill and looked up at a statue of Our Lady in desperation. She later described seeing Mary smile at her with such maternal tenderness that she was instantly healed. This wasn't just a miracle for Thérèse; it was a personal encounter that convinced her Mary truly cared about her individual struggles and joys. From that moment f...

Marian Devotions for October Introductory Prayer O Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, As autumn's golden light illuminates the month of October, we turn our hearts to you with special devotion. In this month dedicated to your Holy Rosary, we gather to honor the countless ways you have manifested your maternal love throughout the centuries. From the ancient shrines of France and Italy to the New World sanctuaries of Mexico, from the monasteries where saints found refuge in your protection to the cathedrals built in your honor, you have shown yourself as our Mother and Helper. O Mary, who assumed into heaven, guides us still on earth, who through the Rosary teaches us to contemplate your Son's mysteries, and who as Mother of God bridges heaven and earth—prepare our hearts to receive the graces flowing from each sacred feast we commemorate. May the devotion of all who have gone before us inspire our own love for you. May the miracles and mercies celebrated in...