Fellow Catholics?

Question

as you may know May is coming up, and i'm about to pray to the Virgin Mary...i have one week off from school, how can i use that week to get closer to God? any siggestions? I have MORE time you know...thank you and God Bless you.

that's what i meant as in a novena...so she can intercede but not to worship you know...sorry for the wording...i meant to intercede not to worship

i'm 23 years old

Answer 1

What would please Our Lady most would be saying the Rosary everyday (at least five decades). I assume you are already doing that. Something that would really bring you closer to God would be meditating on at least one sorrow of Our Lady everyday (all seven sorrows would be even better).Here is a link to the Seven Sorrows devotion to Our Lady:
http://www.catholictradition.org/Mary/7sorrows.htm

The Blessed Virgin revealed to St. Bridget that when the time of the Passion of Our Lord was approaching, Her eyes were always filled with tears, as She thought of Her beloved Son, whom She was about to lose on earth, and that the prospect of that approaching suffering caused Her to be seized with fear, and a cold sweat to cover Her whole body.

So great a love has our Heavenly Mother for us, that She deserves our gratitude, and that gratitude should be shown by at least meditating upon, and consoling Her in, Her Sorrows.

But She lamented to St. Bridget that very few did so, and that the greater part of the world lived in forgetfulness of them: “I look around at all who are on earth, to see if by chance there are any who pity Me, and meditate on My Sorrows; and I find that there are very few. Therefore, My daughter, though I am forgotten by many, at least do you not forget Me. Meditate on My Sorrows and share in My grief, as far as you can.”

Answer 2

I always find myself closer to Him when I am outside. If it is a beautiful day, why not do your praying out doors enjoying all of nature that He provided you.
Go hiking and actually observe all of His wonders. I have never felt more close to Him than when I was at the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, the 2 best spiritual moments of my life after to giving birth to my children.

Ignore the insults of the less understanding. Pope John Paul II was all for ecumenical (inclusive) worship with other Christian faiths, but some Protestants are not as forthcoming, which is unfortunate. Understanding each other's beliefs would lead to less back stabbing and more harmony between peoples. Just look at the violence in Ireland over Catholic/Protestant religions.

Enjoy your free time!

Answer 3

Put aside some dedicated quiet time to read the scriptures. There may be a morning mass at a local parish you could attend during the week, or just spend time alone in the church when it is open. Sometimes just slowing down, taking time off from the routine and becoming quiet and still is a good way to let God find you.

Answer 4

Depends on your age. If you are a college student, try going to a monastery near you. If that is not an option, 4 times a day read the signing version of the Psalms, out loud. Read some of Thomas Merton, such as "No Man is an Island". Read a book about meditation and do it for 20 minutes a day. If centering meditation is not your thing, say your rosary every day.
Here is some information:
http://www.osb.org/retreats/index.html
http://www.centeringprayer.com/

Answer 5

It's better to say "Pray with Mary" as that's what you're doing.

May is the month for Mothers ... from our own Mother, to Mary Mother of God, Mary Mother of the Church. Since you have lots of time, I've hooked you up with three web-sites that should keep you busy when you're ready.

Answer 6

I too, pray to the Virgin Mary many times. During the month of may I put a fresh flower by her statue and say prayers to her. This is a satisfying way for me to do something special to honor her always. bettyk

Answer 7

One way to get closer to God is to quit praying to the virgin Mary and start praying to God. The Bible says to have no Idols above God.

Answer 8

Of course, Catholics pray for the Virgin Mary and she listens to everyone.

Peace!

Answer 9

There may be no 'fake witness' accusation for proclaiming what's interior the bible and judging others that would influence our very own sanctification negatively, with the intention to sidestep them. we are actually not judging no rely in case you will bypass to heaven or not - that's God's priveledge. we are judging (like removing a rotten apple from a barrel) that which might influence santification. good human beings worshipping the church as against good human beings worshipping Jesus. undesirable religious environments equivalent undesirable religious outcomes. in case you dont have confidence interior the Bible rather what Paul reported correct to truly the necessity of a 5 fold ministry and, in case you dont worship interior of a 5 fold ministry ecosystem the place Jesus is lord and not (as consistent with Paul) 'fake apostles' (or might desire to we fairly say, guy-appointed apostles), then you definately've an unsanctified religious ecosystem. If a guy can take the ten Commandments and adjusted them into 8, claiming priority over God, then you definately've fake a pretend religious ecosystem. And, if your significant chant in an historical language is a white magic spell, then you definately don't have from now on excuses because of fact of lack of awareness. How can a guy 'see' your spirit and forgive you via asking you to do particular issues including 2 hundred Hail Marys or notwithstanding? God imposes not something on you whilst He forgives you at modern because of fact of suited repentance basically he can see on your coronary heart - why might you may desire to something that's such as writing 2 hundred and so on lines for college punishment? Its all falsehood. learn what's interior the bible as adversarial to what's taught correct to the bible - there may be no 'fake witness' accusation for proclaiming what's interior the bible. Alternately, grow to be a satanist and learn that what I even have pronounced is actual for your self. The final selection, and maximum magnificent one, is to ask God Himself like maximum individuals have performed and he will demonstrate the untruths of devil and his dominion, alongside along with his many church homes (maximum mainstream 'Protestant' churchs), to you. The Puritans had to flee the Anglican as plenty because of fact the Catholic Church.

Answer 10

Start each day with a prayer. Get involved in a church activity during your school break. Very often, getting closer to God means doing good to others. Everytime you wish to do something good for others, remember that you are doing it in the name of God. That's how I stay close to God.