WordPress just sent a small note acknowledging the two year anniversary of catholic dialogue. I began this blog on December 8, 2010, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Last year, I wrote a blog post reflecting on this feast.
And, here is a link to my very first blog post. Oh, how I remember the nervousness of that first post. I remember it so well because the nervousness is still there. I still worry if anyone will read what I write. I worry about who will read what I write! In those early months, I remained anonymous. I finally revealed who I was on June 30, 2011.
This blog opened doors to a regular column in the Prairie Messenger, and an invitation to join the NCR Today team of bloggers. Writing for two of my favorite Catholic publications gave me more reason for nervousness. Becoming part of a writing community of so many women and men whom I admire so much, is both an awesome honor and a terrifying task. What can I add? What can I say, that hasn’t already been said…and said so well?
The respectful and thoughtful dialogue on this blog, the community of kindred spirits, and the kind words of affirmation provide the needed energy and incentive. To all who have stopped by, whether your visits are one-time or regular, THANK YOU!
May she, whom we celebrate this day, be our model and guide. Like Mary, may we ponder deeply, reach out generously, act justly, and be ever ready to respond with a faith-filled YES to our God.
catholic dialogue 
Congratulations on your second anniversary, Isabella! I remember the trepidation I felt when starting my own blog. I also enjoyed going back and reading your blog from your last anniversary plus your first blog.
I once had a conversation with a friend of mine. She said she had a “hard time with Mary.” I asked her why. As we spoke I somehow expressed that as adults, we are in many ways, the product of our upbringing. Who raised Jesus? His parents, his mother…as we spoke I tried to express this was something to consider. As Mary pondered, so should we.
God bless you my friend, and may God also bless your ministry!
Ah, a sister blogger understands! Thanks, Cathy!
Mention Mary, and she’s bound to start a lively conversation. She plays such a major, cultural role for many of us. I love seeing these cultural expressions, signs of such deep devotion and affection. I have also grown in my appreciation of the scriptural Mary. No meek and mild woman, she! 😉
Continued blessings on your ministry also, Cathy! 🙂
Thanks for your two years of Catholic dialoguing in the blgosphere, Isabella! Here’s to many, many more.
And thanks so much for reading…and your affirmation and support, Mary! 🙂
As I think of Mary at this time of year, in her last trimester with her and Joseph being required to travel a great distance to satisfy the willfulness a king who was full of himself. When it was near her time to give birth, she had to leave the small creature comforts she may have had to begin a long journey on foot or on a donkey. It hard to imagine a worst time to have to travel. Now more than two thousand years later we remember and retell this story of this birth. So, who’s will was being fulfilled by that journey?
Ahhhh, I was “heavy with child” at Christmas time for three of our five children. Sitting in discomfort on a hard, church pew, listening to the gospel story….WHAT?? Me, get on a donkey??? NO WAY!
Life has a way of helping you appreciate the reality in a whole new light. Thanks for the nudge to ponder, Ray.