# Mary’s Retreat – Day 1 of the 33‑Day Marian Consecration
*2018-05-02*

> Bill Young reflects on Mary’s early “retreat” of faith, linking her “yes” at the Annunciation to the deeper mystery of her role as spiritual mother, and explores scriptural passages that prepare us for Marian consecration.

## A Mother’s Day Blessing

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers—biological, spiritual, and heavenly. I thank my wife for raising our son, my mother‑in‑law for helping us, and I remember my late mother Eleanor and my grandmother Mary Cicerelle, both now in heaven. May today be joyful and restful for every mother.

## Why a Marian Retreat?

This episode is part of the “33 Days to Morning Glory” retreat, a DIY Marian consecration created by Fr. Michael Gailey. Day 24 falls in Week Four, dedicated to St. John Paul II, and the theme is “Mary’s Retreat – Day 1.” The idea is to walk with Mary as she prepared herself for the unique vocation of being our spiritual mother.

## Mary’s First Pilgrimage of Faith

Mary’s retreat began at the Annunciation. By saying “yes” (her fiat), she accepted the call to be the Mother of Jesus and, implicitly, the mother of all Christians. This moment invites us to contemplate the mystery of entrustment: before anyone else, God the Father entrusted Himself to the Virgin of Nazareth, giving her His Son. Mary must have marveled at this profound humility.

## Scriptural Reflections on Spiritual Motherhood

The Gospels offer clues to Mary’s growing awareness of her role. In Mark 3:31‑35, when Jesus says, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” and then adds, “Whoever does the will of God is my brother, sister, and mother,” he is not rejecting Mary but expanding the family of God beyond flesh. Likewise, in Luke 2:49, Jesus tells the young Mary‑child, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” This points to the primacy of God’s supernatural fatherhood over natural family ties. Mary, attentive to every word and action of Jesus, would have understood these teachings as preparation for her new mission.

## Mary as the First Disciple

From the moment of the Annunciation (Luke 1:38), Mary responded, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” In this way she became the first disciple, saying “follow me” to the Son. Her openness allowed her to perceive the unfolding mystery of her motherhood, which later finds expression at the wedding at Cana, where her intercession brings forth faith.

## Prayer for the Day

Come, Holy Spirit, living in Mary, help me be faithful to her heart and to partner with her in prayer. Amen.

*Mary’s early “retreat” teaches us that true discipleship begins with a willing “yes” to God’s will.*