Dear Friend, 

Reflection by Diane M. Carr, M.A.

A few years ago, I was preparing to give a parish talk on Mary and the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary and happened to see Fr. Vinny Fortunato, O.F.M., a Capuchin priest, in our seminary lobby. I remember that encounter as if it were yesterday.

Fr. Vinny is a wise spiritual director who forms priests as spiritual directors and preaches parish missions nationwide. Having always enjoyed our spiritual conversations, I asked what he thought was one of the most important insights I could give my audience.

We discussed the scene of the Annunciation where the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and addresses her, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you” (Lk 1:28).  Gabriel then advises her,  “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High” (Lk 1:31-32).

Fr. Vinny paused and said in awe, “Can you imagine…God held his breath…and waited for Mary to say ‘yes’?”

That moment took my breath away…we both held that sacred space for a few moments, and entered into our spiritual imaginations, expectantly watching God holding His breath…and watching Mary’s face as she gives her “fiat” to bringing Divine life into the world.

This Advent season let us ponder this powerful moment of Mary’s hospitality and acceptance of God’s will.

On this Marian feast day when we consider how God lovingly prepared Mary to carry Divine life into the world —we ponder Mary’s embrace of her heavenly preparations. Where in our lives is God holding His breath…waiting for us to say “yes” to what he is asking of us?

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Diane M. Carr, M.A.,'06 Coordinator, Graduate & International Services earned an M.A. in Systematic Theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Seton Hall University. She gives workshops, retreats, and lectures on public speaking, evangelization, and spirituality.