Today I was carrying my newborn baby boy in my sling, while visiting with some local Carmelite sisters, when Mother Superior gave me some interesting information. She said that when we speak of Mary's mantle, people usually think of her veil, but in her days, they were actually referring to the fabric carrier that she used to tote baby Jesus around. So when we ask her to wrap her mantle around us, we are actually asking her to carry us as she did baby Jesus,close to her heart. This was the spot that calmed baby Jesus because babyslings/carriersrecreate the womb keeping babies snuggled close to their mother's warmth, her beating heart, and moving with her. No wonder we ask Mary to wrap her mantle around us!I am a fan of "wearing" one's baby not just because it promotes bonding, but also because it just makes everyday life much easier. In Mary's day, they didn't have fancy strollers or car-seats. They just had mom, and for a baby, there's nothing better than that. So if you're a mom, consider wrapping your baby in your mantle to make them feel at peace (and I promise it will likely bring you more), and Mother Mary, please wrap your mantle around us, your children.
7 comments:
Oh I just love this thought! Thanks for sharing. I love to wear my babies close!
This is so beautiful...asking Mary to wrap us in Her mantle is a request that I make often, and as a baby-wearing mama this really makes that request even more special. I never thought of it in this way, and the image it conjures up is even more comforting. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this beautiful reflection...I shared it on Facebook and have noticed others doing so too! Blessings!
I LOVE THIS!
What a beautiful idea! I saw your blog post via Facebook and just loved reading it. I am a babywearing momma to my three month old and I can't imagine a better way of looking at babywearing than this. Thank you so much for sharing!
http://domandafam.blogspot.com
Look at those babies - so little! I recognize that as my wedding day!!! Little shout out for Modesto... Thank you for "wearing" your babies - what a wonderful experience for them to get to be so close to you!c
Thank you for sharing this! My ten-month-old still likes to snuggle close when I wear him around, and at this time of year especially is it special to think of Mary caring for us in this way. After reading Courtney's comment I realized I also recognize the church where I was married, and a face in the picture. I don't know if all of the writers here are from my hometown, but it was neat to discover this blog. Thanks!
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