The Virgin Mary’s powerful example

National Geographic recently named the Virgin Mary as the world’s most powerful woman. What an honour as Catholics to have our Mother seen to hold such a beautiful and mighty role on Earth, and to get this recognition from the secular world.

The article shares many stories of apparitions of Mary around the world and of her healing power to those she appears before. People with terminal illnesses, people living in wartorn countries and people in desolation have experienced intimate moments with the Virgin Mary, having their lives changed forever. Her miracles have converted non-believers to devoted Catholics proclaiming her power and miracles to the world.

I think the article does a terrific job at providing different stories from all different parts of the world. It shows how universal and mighty the Virgin Mary is. The article provides readers with examples of her power, but does not focus primarily on who Mary is and her role within the Catholic Church.

This isn’t to say that the miracles aren’t important, but I feel that if National Geographic were to name someone “the most powerful woman on Earth,” a little background of her history is needed to truly show her power and importance in many lives.

Within the Catholic Church, we are taught that Mary has the ability to intercede for us and help lead us closer to Jesus Christ. I believe Mary’s love has the power to convert the most broken of hearts into hearts full of love for the Lord. Her power and faith, within my life, has allowed me to recognize that all she asks of us is to turn to her and allow her prayers to lead us closer to Jesus Christ.

Reading this article allowed me to reflect upon my own relationship with the Blessed Virgin. I admit, as a young woman in a world full of temptations and distractions, it’s difficult to keep Mary present within my own life. But her intercession has brought me closer to God and to experience His mercy and unending love for me. Mary’s faith in me, intercession for me and love for me has allowed me to desire to be an intercessor for those whom I love.

In relying on her intercession, we can mould our lives after hers. Her courage and role within our faith proves that her power is something to be recognized, relied upon and believed in. Her power has the ability to bring us to Heaven and experience the Lord’s mercy. Her power within her heart to not only let God work through her but also to have faith in God to allow her own Son to go through such terrible and heart-breaking situations.

To me, that shows just how powerful our Mother Mary really is. From beginning to end she remained faithful to the Lord’s plan, humbling herself and holding onto prayer and obedience.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

(Contreras, 20, is a third-year creative communications student at the University of Winnipeg.)