Edwin Learns the Rosary

May is the month consecrated to our Blessed Mother. My son, Edwin has been learning the Hail Mary at school. He and his classmates received a rosary to pray at home for more reinforcement. You should have seen the excitement on his face when he showed me his brand new rosary!

I first started praying the rosary with my mother when I was 3 years old. My Mom is a very devout and strong catholic with a devotion to Mary. I would watch her recite the rosary every night after doing the dishes. She looked like she was praying so hard for something.

We started a family tradition of praying the rosary together every Sunday night. I must admit that as a young teenager, I was not too excited about that. As I got older, I learned to appreciate and love this devotion.

My appreciation did not begin until a close friend of mine passed away. I prayed the rosary every night so that his soul would rest in peace. I prayed for his family and friends who were left to mourn his loss. I , too, felt comfort in this devotion. I learned to see Mary as my mother in heaven, here to watch over us and intercede on our behalf.

I still pray the rosary every night, usually after I put the kids to bed. Recently, Edwin asked me, "Can we pray the rosary together, Mama?" We started saying a decade together everyday. Sometimes, I'll forget , but he'll remind me. He's already learned the Glory Be. We just have to work on the Apostles Creed (Uh- oh, very long).

It's exciting for me to see the seeds of this devotion growing in Edwin. I've shared stories/photos of my trips to Guadalupe and to Lourdes with him. He asked me, "Can you take me there, Mama?"

I hope I can continue to nurture this devotion to our Blessed Mother in both of my sons. That is the prayer I ask for when I say my rosary.