Originally uploaded by lilitalinda.
I came home this weekend, because on Friday night, The Rosary, was being held at my parents' house. For those of you who don't know what The Rosary is, I will post a page explaining what it is in more detail. Basically, it's a very devotional prayer to The Virgin Mary, a bit on the long side for a prayer, 20-30min, depending on the ones who pray it. Our family and friends gather every first Friday of every month at someone's house to pray together. The statue of the Virgin Mary that you see travels to each person's house. She stays in the host's house for the remainder of the month until she moves to her new home the upcoming month. This tradition, truly, this devotion has been sustained by us for about 10yrs, every 1st Friday. It really is incredible. Now, not everyone attends every Rosary, as it does become challenging, but it continues regardless. Usually everyone begins to arrive sometime between 7-9pm. During this time, we visit, and of course EAT!!! Personally that is one of my favorite parts. The host is in charge of the food. Sometimes, food in catered, but almost 90% of the time, the food is home made by the host. This time all of it fell to my Mom. I have no idea how she did it. She cleaned the house, set the house up for about 40 guests, and cooked for all forty people, 2 main courses, one side dish, and 3 different desserts!!!! Whoa!!! All by herself!!! Man, it was all incredible! You'll can check out my flicker pictures and see pictures of the food. Mind you the pics don't do the food justice. After all our bellies are full and we have gotten sufficient amount of conversation and release from the week, everyone gathers around the little home made altar in the home. We pray together for about 30 min. The prayer itself is not as solemn as one might think, as it is late in the day, and often you hear muffled voices here and there, occationally someone falls asleep, the children decide to then begin to ask many questions, giggles surface from somewhere, the phone rings, just like everyday life, but the stability of the prayer in community remains. I'm often in awe of the commitment of all the families, as they make it a priority to always remember to create a sacred time to connect with each other and always something more, something that offers Grace and blessings to carry for the rest of the year. Kudos to my Mom for the great food, and for being such a wonderful hostess.
