In September, three years will have passed since Our Lady first entrusted me with care of the prayers of pilgrims to Her beautiful Shrine in western Wisconsin. I am blessed to pray for these beautiful souls as I quietly trim stems, pluck away dead leaves, remove browning petals, and arrange these beautiful prayers (flowers) in fresh water at the feet of Our Immaculate Mother, Our Lord, Saint Joseph, and many other saints.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stopped by the realization that I am holding in my hands “somebody’s prayer.” What an honor and privilege is this sacred task.

I can’t help but be reminded of Our Lady. We bring her our prayers; whether in thanksgiving, Adoration, petition, or intercession. She trims them here and there, plucks away anything that may be dead or dying, arranges them so beautifully, and then presents them to Her Divine Son.

As I begin to prepare for another “Reparation Ride,” I realize that everything we do – all that we encounter on these cross-country rides – truly becomes “somebody’s prayer”… for the love of Her Divine Son, in reparation for the sins committed against Her Immaculate Heart, and for the conversion of poor sinners.

(Deo gratias!)

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!