Monstra Te Esse Matrem

"Tell me a Mary story."

Our Lady’s many beautiful titles as enumerated in the Litany of Loreto reflect her holiness, motherhood, virginity, and queenship. I have a particular affinity for her as simply my Mother Mary, as it reminds me of her tender love for me. Monstra Te Esse Matrem means “Show yourself to be our Mother.” Our Lady has revealed herself in visible ways through the individuals she has placed in my life, but also in the little, hidden moments I bring to her.

My grandmother cared for my grandfather for more than a decade as he battled Parkinson’s and dementia. During his last two years, she developed advanced, inoperable lung cancer. Our family always prays the Immaculate Conception novena each December, and when my father asked her for what intention he could pray for her, she unhesitatingly responded: “to live long enough to care for Bill.” She had an incredible devotion to Mary, particularly in the Rosary, and she implored the Blessed Mother to let her persevere so she could continue to care for her husband. Her sacrificial love reminded me of Our Lady. St. Josemaría Escrivá once wrote “the humility of my holy Mother Mary! She is not to be seen amid the palms of Jerusalem, nor at the hour of the great miracles — except at that first one at Cana. But she doesn't escape from the contempt at Golgotha; there she stands, juxta crucem Jesu, the Mother of Jesus, beside his Cross” (The Way 507). My grandmother survived my grandfather and passed into eternal life three weeks after his Arlington National Cemetery burial. Mary’s sacrificial love at the foot of the cross inspired my grandmother’s unwavering devotion to her husband, and it also showed me how to take my small, daily struggles to Our Lady.

Mary acts as an intercessor in the seemingly insurmountable struggles, but also as a comforter in our daily trials. Though I cannot identify a particular instance when Our Lady appeared to me in a vision, cured an illness, or went beyond the natural, taking the mundane concerns to her in prayer, I often feel like a child tugging on his mother’s arm throughout the day. Watching my four-year-old brother bring to our mom dandelions, rocks, sticks, and pretty much anything he finds, reminds me that I too should bring my anxieties, fears, and worries to my most Holy Mother in Heaven. Her Immaculate Heart is a constant presence that wishes to pour graces in abundance upon my soul and the souls of those whom I pray for her intercession. “If you ever feel distressed during your day – call upon Our Lady – just say this simple prayer: ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now,’” counseled Saint Mother Teresa. Go to Mary that she may present our petitions before God. Bring to her the impossible things, but equally, bring her the everyday little things. Give her every thing.

Mary, My Mother, may I place the dandelions and pebbles of my day in your hands, that I may see your loving gaze and tender smile at my littleness. Foster in me a deep love and devotion to you in the most holy Rosary. Help me to run to you with eagerness, wishing only to rest my head near your Immaculate Heart, trusting that your loving embrace will sustain me at every moment of my life.


Grant Mantooth is a 4th-year economics student hailing from Manassas, Virginia. Fun fact: while going for a run near UNC-Chapel Hill, he booked it across 5 lanes of traffic to get a picture with former UNC PG/current NBA player Cole Anthony the one day he wasn’t wearing his UVA shirt while in North Carolina!