Hail Full of Grace

Dear Diary,

This morning Sister Mary Claire and I knelt beside our beds, with Mini squeezing herself right between us like she always does. We began our prayers with the Our Father and the Hail Mary. The room was still dim and quiet, and I could hear the soft creak of the house waking up as we prayed.

Afterward, Sister explained the words “Hail Mary, full of grace.” She said the angel didn’t just greet Mary the way people greet each other—he spoke the truth of what her heart already was. Mary was full of God, clear through, like a cup filled to the very top where even one more drop would spill over. Sister told me that’s why the angel bowed, not because Mary was powerful, but because she was perfectly open to God’s love.

I tried to picture Mary hearing those words for the very first time—maybe standing in her quiet home, maybe holding a little clay jug, maybe feeling startled and peaceful all at once. Sister said every time we say the Hail Mary, we’re repeating the angel’s words and remembering how close God came to us through her. And Mary, being a Mother, never lets a prayer go unanswered—she takes it and gives us a little grace back, just the kind we need.

Mini kept her ears in airplane mode the entire time, like she understood something holy was happening. I touched her soft side and whispered, “Our Lady loves puppies too,” and Sister smiled a tiny smile.

My Resolution:

Today I want to say each Hail Mary slowly and lovingly, remembering that Mary is full of God’s grace—and she wants to help me be full of grace too.

Sister just reminded me it’s time to get ready for church, so I’ll put my pencil down now. Mini is already prancing at the door.

Love,

Kathy