Thoughts, Prayers & Art

Today, I pause to celebrate six years since my ordination, a moment that feels both sacred and humbling. As I look back on these years, I am filled with gratitude for the ways God’s call has shaped my life and deepened my faith—not just in ministry, but also within my family. This journey has been a tapestry woven with countless moments of grace, joy, and even challenges, each one drawing me closer to God and to the people I am called to serve.

Tomorrow, December 8th, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception—a day that naturally turns my heart to Mary, who has been a guiding presence throughout my life. Mary’s humble and courageous “yes” to God’s call is a profound reminder that our vocations, no matter how daunting, are rooted in trust and surrender. Her willingness to embrace God’s plan with love and faith resonates deeply with my own experience of saying “yes” to ordination and continuing to live into that call each day.

When I reflect on the example of Mary, I am reminded of something my youngest son, Daniel, said on the day of my ordination. He handed me a card with a simple but deeply moving message: “You are a wonderful mother to us, and now you will be a mother to all.” His words brought me to tears because they spoke directly to the heart of my vocation. In many ways, Daniel captured what Mary’s life embodies—the call to nurture, to guide, and to offer unconditional love, not just to one’s own family but to all of God’s children.

Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus—and, by extension, the mother of us all—has been a source of inspiration for my ministry. Her love was not limited to her Son; it extended outward, embracing the disciples and the early church, and it continues to encompass the whole world. In my own life, I have felt this same expansive love, both as a mother to my sons and as a spiritual mother to my community. My family, especially my sons and my spouse, have been unwavering in their support, grounding me in love and reminding me of the sacredness of this calling.

There are countless stories I could share from the past six years—moments when I felt Mary’s presence guiding me. One that stands out is from a hospital visit early in my ministry. I sat beside a woman who was struggling with deep grief, and as I held her hand and listened, I felt an inexplicable sense of peace settle over us. It was as though Mary herself was there, reminding me that simply being present, like she was at the foot of the cross, can be a profound act of love. That moment deepened my understanding of what it means to serve: not to fix or solve, but to accompany, to nurture, and to reflect God’s love.

This understanding has also deepened my faith within my own family. Together, we have navigated the joys and challenges of ministry life, finding strength in one another and in God. My sons and my wonderful spouse have seen me juggle the demands of this vocation, and their steadfast love has been a source of profound grace. They have made their own sacrifices of time, of talent and of treasure. This has both assisted and challenged growth in their own faith, witnessing firsthand what it means to trust in God’s call.

Mary’s presence in my life has taught me to embrace the unexpected, to trust in God’s timing, and to find strength in surrender. Her example reminds us that God calls ordinary people—mothers, sons, priests, and laity alike—to extraordinary purposes. Each of us is invited to say “yes,” to trust in God’s love, and to let that love ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.

As I celebrate this milestone, I am overwhelmed with gratitude—for my family, whose love sustains me; for my community, whose faith inspires me; and for Mary, whose quiet courage and unwavering faith continue to guide my journey. Above all, I am grateful to God for calling me to this path and for walking alongside me every step of the way.

May we all find the strength to say “yes” to God’s call in our lives, trusting, as Mary did, that His plans are always rooted in love.

With a heart full of gratitude,

Rev. Allison Burns-LaGreca