“You will no longer be known as------, but as Sr. Miriam Rose of St. Joseph.”
In praying about my name and reflecting on the Lord’s call, three themes have been very present: Anointing, Redemption, and Hope. This new name reminds me that I have become a new creation, but only because He has loved me first. It is an overflowing of the graces received in the waters of Baptism and the anointing of Confirmation. As Christ has anointed me, I now desire to anoint Him with my life, that “Love may be loved.” This name was chosen for those who knew how to love Him best, that they might teach me to do the same. Miriam, which is Hebrew for Mary, was chosen first and foremost for Our Blessed Mother-the woman who received and remained with Him in joy and sorrow and now participates in the glory we are called to share in Heaven. Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, is a witness to the providence of God, reminding the people of the marvels the Lord has done, leading them in praise of His Mercy (Exodus 15). Mary Magdalene, having personally received the Lord’s Mercy poured out her love for the Lord in her anointing of His Feet. When she prepared to anoint Him after His death, her loving faithfulness was rewarded by hearing the call of her Resurrected Lord, “Mary!” Not only was she given the privilege of greeting Him, but she was made an Apostle of Hope to the Lord’s brothers, the Apostles, proclaiming the Resurrection to those who still suffered in fear and sadness.
This theme continues with the name Rose. As this name is used both in reference to Christ and Our Lady (found in several songs and prayers of the Church), it allows me to introduce the whole Holy Family in giving my name: Sr. Miriam Rose of St. Joseph. It also reminds me of its use as a verb in Scripture, the liturgical time it represents, and the flower of several Marian apparitions. As a verb, the word “rose” has biblical significance that I desire to imitate: “Mary rose in haste” out of charity, “Joseph rose” in order to obey, “Christ rose” from the dead bringing new life, and several others, including Mary of Bethany and St. Matthew, “rose” in response to Christ’s call. In the liturgical penitential seasons of Advent and Lent, we find Gaudete and Laetare Sundays, when we are reminded by the color rose and the readings of the day to rejoice with hope, even as we await the Redemption that is to come. Gaudete Sunday was also the day our Sisters first arrived in America on December 12, 1875. In reflecting on Our Lady’s presence in my life, I realized that she has always come with roses in the titles and apparitions that have most deeply influenced me, Our Lady of the Rosary, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Knock. In Our Lady’s appearance to Juan Diego, who was afraid and felt inadequate to carry out his calling to share her message of hope, she sent miraculous roses in a winter desert as sign and a promise of God’s Providence, that He can be trusted, and “that nothing is impossible for Him.”
In choosing my name day, the Lord highlighted His Mercy and the reality that He fulfills His Promises. I requested the Epiphany of the Lord as this is the day in which His Mercy is revealed to all peoples. The star proclaims with its brilliance, “the Bridegroom is here, come out to meet Him.” When the Wise Men discover Him with His Mother (and St. Joseph) only after a long search and circuitous route, they discover that it is not their gifts that the Newborn King desires, but their Adoration- the gift of their very selves and they are filled with exceedingly great joy in His Presence. The Epiphany stands out as both a fulfillment and as a beginning, as seen in the Liturgy, particularly in the Office of Readings that recalls the promises made to Abraham and recognizes their fulfillment in the Savior. On this day, we also celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, the Wedding at Cana, and it is customary to proclaim the dates of the coming feasts, particularly the Resurrection of the Lord. This day encompasses the previous consecrations I have made in my life: Consecration to Jesus through Mary, Consecration to Merciful Love, and Consecration to Jesus through St. Joseph, and it is with their guidance and support that I discern and anticipate a life of consecration as Sister of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Is. 43:1