A Worn Rosary Bead and a Healed Heart

Happy Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary ✞

The rosary is a prayer that fills my heart and calls me closer to the Lord.

Pope Paul VI said, “By its nature the recitation of the Rosary calls for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, helping the individual to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord’s life as seen through the eyes of her who was closest to the Lord. In this way the unfathomable riches of these mysteries are unfolded.”

The mysteries have a way of inviting intimate reflection on Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

I always keep a rosary close at hand, reminiscent of Nora Kavanagh in Teagan's Treasure, to remind me that at every moment of every day the Lord is calling me to reflect on His love.

And from this continual reflection and intimate conversation, I share His love through my words.

Today, on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, I share an excerpt from Teagan's Treasure of a conversation between Teagan and Nora, shinning a light on Teagan's own faith journey.

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“Holy ground this is,” Nora says. “Did I ever tell ya the story of how Malachy and I started courtin’?”

“No, but I’d love to hear it.”

“It was right here on this cobblestone lane. I had just turned eighteen and was on my way to St. Patrick’s to pray for a very special intention. Malachy was walkin’ Larry, the biggest Irish wolfhound ye’ve ever seen. The rain came out of nowhere, and I dropped my rosary in the mud. Rain was comin’ down so hard I could barely see, so I was down on my hands and knees when this beast of a dog jumped on top of me.” She laughs at the memory. “I screamed, but he started lickin’ me, and my scream turned to laughter. Malachy, never the fastest runner, finally got to us and helped me up. Despite the rain slowin’, we couldn’t find the rosary.”

She gets that far-off look in her eyes again. “He walked me to the church, and I found myself prayin’ for two very special intentions that day. One was granted but the other

was not. My Pa passed the next day from pneumonia. I was heartbroken but accepted it as God’s will. At his wake, Malachy pulled me aside and put this rosary in my hand.”

She holds up her hand, worn wooden beads trailing down from her palm. “Pa made that rosary, carved each bead, and tied each knot. ‘Tis my dearest possession. The prayer deep in my

heart was granted that day. And from that day onward, Malachy and I were a couple. We courted six months, and Malachy proposed on this same lane.”

Nora stops and gestures around. “Right here.”—

I look around, imagining them here in the pouring rain. A love story equal to my parents’. I’ve learned there are no two love stories exactly the same. Every couple has their own story—story that sings of their unique love.

“Do you think God meant for Malachy to find that rosary?”

“Indeed. Malachy gave me back my past, but also the promise of a future.”

“You’ve made a life you love.” My heart yearns for the same.

“I could’nt’ve made a greater one.” Her eyes crinkle at the edges, lines worn deep. “I pray we can keep the farm, but if it’s not God’s will, then His will be done.”

We walk on, the strength of Nora’s faith making my steps feel steadier. What would it be like to have her faith? That confidence in God’s will for her life? Even as I ask the question, I know it’s possible for everyone. Nora has surrendered her life to God, and it’s only in surrendering that peace can reside. His will be done. I know without a doubt that I haven’t surrendered my will. I am so scared to lose control; my vision is narrow. I only see what I can do. God’s vision is

broader, and He knows what’s best for us. As much as I understand that, I’m not sure how to completely surrender.

St. Patrick’s is just around the bend now, and I know my intentions for today, just as Nora did all those years ago."

(Teagan's Treasure paperback pages 154-156).