Mary Dowsett

When I was in upper elementary school, we had an assignment to look up the meaning of our name. It was at this time that I discovered one possible meaning for Mary is “bitter heart.” At the time I didn’t understand this, having learned that Mary was not a bitter person. I have reflected on this meaning many times since then, recognizing that Mary, our Blessed Mother, was not bitter herself, but rather tasted the bitterness of pain and sorrow as the prophetic words of Simeon revealed themselves in the Passion of her Son, Jesus Christ. Mary’s sorrow has been a point of reflection for me over the past eight years as my husband and I pray for the gift of a child. The hope of this prayer has yet to be answered with a “yes,” but I find great comfort in Mary’s sorrow. Mary, who gave her fiat and lived for years knowing a sword would pierce her heart, exemplifies the Christian life: a resounding “yes” to the Father’s will; a faithful servant, she knew sorrow and peace, sorrow and joy as she surrendered her life and accepted the Lord’s will. I have learned that it would be difficult to know Mary and Jesus intimately without some sorrow; and Mary shows us sorrow can be accompanied with deep joy and peace. I keep Mary close by saying a daily rosary, and am reminded of her constantly when I hear my name called. I am grateful that my parents chose to name me after this blessed woman.

Mary Dowsett is married to Jeremy Dowsett. They live in Lansing. Mary works at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, St. Mary’s School in Charlotte, and Emanuel Lutheran in Lansing as a reading teacher and interventionist. Our Lady of Fatima told the children to learn to read and write and she has been an important figure in Mary’s path to teaching reading.

Dr. Mary Healy

As good Irish-American Catholics, my parents, of course, named their first daughter Mary! I always felt greatly honored to share a name with the Mother of God. When I was about 10 years old, a friend of my mother’s gave me a beautiful glass Miraculous Medal, and told me that God had a very special plan for my life. That made a deep impression on me. Years later, when making a major decision about my future, I didn’t feel confident in my own discernment so I asked Our Lady to help me, and she truly did. I believe it was her intercession that led me to the Mother of God Community in Maryland, a lay charismatic community that became an enormous blessing in my life. Many times since then, I’ve experienced the power of the rosary to open the door for the Lord to make a way where there was no way. Our Lady keeps doing what she has always done in my life: point the way to her Son Jesus.

Dr. Mary Healy is professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, a bestselling author, and an international speaker.

Mary Gehrig

I grew up entrusting my fears and worries to Mary as my heavenly Mother. One of the earliest prayers to Mary that I learned was the Memorare, which implored Mary for her protection, help, and intercession, promising that I would not “be left unaided”. I also have beautiful memories of my grandmother praying the rosary every night in her rocking chair and having us pray with her. The rosary has become a source of comfort and peace in my life. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, I continuously rely on the Blessed Mother’s assistance, praying for the spiritual needs of my family. I was blessed to have a loving, humble, and generous mother who radiated many of the qualities of our heavenly Mother, so being close to Mother Mary and relying on her love and support comes very naturally. Ultimately, my relationship with Mary has led me closer to her Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mary Gehrig is a parishioner at the Catholic Community of St. Mary and St. Ann, Charlotte, an educator, spiritual director, and DRE of K-8 Family Faith Formation; and a wife and mother of four wonderful children and their spouses and grandmother to 16 absolutely amazing grandchildren.

Mary Lippert

My name, Mary, is more than a label; it’s a testament to answered prayer. Before I was born, my parents had a very frightening experience. My young mom became very ill during her first pregnancy. In a catatonic state, she was admitted to the hospital, leaving my young dad feeling hopeless. He turned to the Blessed Mother, begging for her grace and promising to name their first daughter Mary in gratitude.

Thankfully, my mom recovered. Three years later and after two sons, I was born and was given the name promised by my dad’s answered prayer. This name constantly reminds me of divine grace and has shaped my life. It’s a daily reminder of faith and hope. Knowing my name is a fruit of answered prayer strengthens my connection to the Blessed Mother and is a constant source of comfort and inspiration.

Mary Lippert, daughter of Jan and Jerry Pietrzak of Saginaw, wife of Douglas Lippert for 36 years, and mom of Matthew, John, Benjamin, and Elena Lippert, has worked in student ministry since 2008. She has engaged in ministry at St. Kenneth’s in Plymouth, St. Michael’s in Grand Ledge, and at St. Jude’s in DeWitt.

Stella Gates

Stella Maris is a title for Mary meaning Star of the Sea. Stella Maris is the guide of sailors and the light of the sea. I was named after my great-grandmother, Stefania, who went by Stella, and I was given the middle name Marie so that I would have Stella Maris as my patron. My name means a lot to me, and I look to the Blessed Mother in prayer and as a role model. Every morning when I wake up, I do a short prayer to her to ask her to be with me through my day, and I consecrate the day to Jesus through her. I look to Stella Maris to guide me through the storms and waves of my heart and my life. I look to her as my North Star who will lead me to heaven, my ultimate destination and home.

Stella Gates is a freshman at Lansing Catholic High School and a parishioner at the Church of the Resurrection in Lansing. She enjoys running, art, and being the only girl with five brothers.