Happy Birthday, dearest Mother!

Today is the Feast of the Nativity of Mary.

Murillo's "The Birth of the Virgin Mary"

and now, here are some semi-poetic thoughts, 

sparked by the realization that Murillo painted 

Baby Jesus and Baby Mary looking at one another!

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At Her Nativity

O dear Mary, mother Mine,

I have waited nine months to see your face!

Hidden within your mother's womb

I let you grow in silence

and now, here you are!

You are Mine, and I am yours!

O sweet Jesus, Son of God

quickly come!

Hidden in my womb

you will grow in silence

indeed, here I am: I am for You!

You are mine, and I am yours!

Do not be afraid of angel greetings

Do not be afraid of prophesy

or of the bitter road that lies ahead

All generations will call you blessed 

because of Me:

You are Mine, and I am yours!

How can I say if I will be afraid

there will be much to fear, I know

especially on that dreadful hill 

but my Fiat I will give to You

every day of my life,

You are mine and I am Yours!

Do not be afraid, most pure one

you will see the face of God and live

 Little one, you are a child now

but one day  you shall be 

the mother of all of God's children

for You are Mine, and I am yours!

I am not afraid, for You are my purity,

my God, my Son, and my Life

Yes, I am a child now, a little one always

but one day I shall be

the mother of all little ones

for You are mine, and I am Yours!

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Sweet Jesus, Jesus Love,

You are mine, and I am Yours!

Thank You for the gift of Your Mother, my Mother!

Blessed Mother Mary, 

pray for us who have recourse to thee!