In total transparency, I have never put much thought into my namesake until recently. Growing up, I remember once asking my dad for a 10th-grade essay why I was named Maggie. He answered that my mom wanted a little Maggie and that there was something to do with the Sacred Heart. At the time, I didn’t really grasp the Sacred Heart connection, let alone was I going to write an essay about something church-related that would have to be peer-edited by a classmate. So, I focused on the "Maggie" part, sharing that if any of my sisters or I were boys, we would have been named Joseph after my dad, which is why there ended up being eight girls. I milked that dumb joke for an entire 800-word essay.
Later that same year, it came time for m confirmation and choosing a confirmation saint. Initially I thought of choosing Mary—after all, she is the Mother of God, and you can't get more classic or iconic than that. However, after overhearing my dad (who was also my confirmation teacher) mention to another student that it would be okay to choose your baptismal name, I landed on Margaret Mary quickly, with little to no reflection, let alone praying for her intercession during such a significant sacrament.
Last year, while participating in a Bible study, we discussed the importance of names in the Bible and how they often signify transformation—like God calling Peter or Saul becoming Paul. It struck me: “Why in the world did I rely on my 15-year-old self to make a spiritually significant choice?” Names hold a lot of meaning, and I had chosen mine willy-nilly because, at the time, I didn’t really care to put more thought into it.
In the midst of this great annoyance, I came across a book I had received for graduation about St. Margaret Mary. As I began to read, I felt a connection with her and realized she was MY GIRL. I felt like I understood her yet had a tremendous amount to learn from her.
As I delved into her life, I was amazed and inspired by her unwavering trust in God’s love. While she was particularly hard on herself, she never questioned her identity as a daughter of the Lord; However, she understood the grave implications of her sin. Her devotion and personal relationship with Jesus led to her visions of His heart on fire with love for humanity, now recognized as the Sacred Heart of Jesus. From her, I have learned the importance of a personal relationship with God and a better understanding of His mercy.
This summer, I prayed the Sacred Heart Novena for the first time. Game changer. I was not expecting to receive the amount of spiritual growth I did, and the opportunity to pray it alongside St. Margaret Mary made the entire experience incredible. Next June cannot
come fast enough.
Now, when I think about my name, it feels rich with meaning. It’s not just a label; it’s a connection to someone who inspires me to grow in faith and love.
St. Margaret Mary of Alacoque, Pray for us.
Your sister in Christ, Maggie
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