9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

“Hail favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Luke 1:28-29. Throughout her life Mary “pondered” in prayer as to what God was asking of her in her sorrows and sufferings. Mary’s life was not one of luxury, nor was it free from grief or pain. How do we manage suffering, sorrows, and the puzzling question of “why” in our daily lives? Mary is there to help us through prayer and is our greatest intercessor to Jesus. We will look at ways we might strengthen our prayer life in relationship to praying with Mary, Mother of God, and mother of us all.

Monica Nachman (BA, CAS), is a cradle Catholic with a deep love of the Blessed Virgin Mary that has its origins in early childhood from her grandmother and mother. Monica’s retirement has given her time to study more about Mary, Jesus’ mother. The newfound knowledge and intimate prayer with Mary have provided her the opportunity to share her thoughts and insights with other women at the Bethany Retreat Center. Her enthusiasm for and compelling testimony of Mary as our Intercessor leads others to reach out to Mary, Mother of God.