Finding Mary: A Virtual Pilgrimage Walking the Way of Beauty

 

Beauty has always been one of God’s quiet languages. It doesn’t shout or demand attention. It invites. It softens. It opens the heart in ways words alone cannot. For many of us, beauty has been the first doorway through which we sensed the nearness of God. For decades I've tried to always bring the beauty into my writing, my arts. I am only now understanding the true scope of what it mans to walk The Way of Beauty.

The Way of Beauty is a path of seeing. It is the practice of noticing the traces of God’s presence in the world around us and allowing that beauty to draw us closer to Him. It is not a technique or a program. It is a posture of the soul. I want to share this way with others. We all need beauty.

Beauty as a Pathway to God

Scripture tells us that creation declares the glory of God. A sunrise, a quiet chapel, a single candle in the dark, these simple moments can become places of encounter. Beauty awakens longing. It stirs remembrance. It reminds us that we were made for more than the noise and hurry of daily life.

When we allow beauty to speak, it becomes a gentle guide leading us toward the One who is Beauty itself. People open up to beauty, they are opening to God.

Mary and the Beauty of Receptivity

Mary embodies this way. Her beauty is not about appearance. It is the beauty of a heart that listens, receives, and responds. She shows us what it means to welcome God’s presence with trust and humility. She has reached out to me so many times along this way, some I recognized and some I didn't. And now I have been led to escort others to the Way.

In this pilgrimage, Mary is not the destination. She is the companion who leads us to her Son. Her life teaches us how to hold beauty with reverence and let it shape us from within.

Pilgrimage as an Inner Journey to Beauty

Many people dream of traveling to sacred places around the world. I did too. But pilgrimage begins long before we pack a suitcase. It begins in the heart.

A virtual pilgrimage allows us to walk slowly, prayerfully, and intentionally, even from home. Through images, Scripture, reflections, and quiet moments of pause, we can enter into the same spirit of journeying that pilgrims have carried for centuries.

This is not a tour. It is a way of seeing. It is a way of immersing one's self into the beauty of Creation. 

Walking This Pilgrimage From Home

Each post in this series will take you to a place where beauty and faith meet, at Marian shrines, cathedrals, gardens, and quiet corners of the world where grace has touched the earth. You can follow along from your home, your prayer chair, or wherever you find a moment of stillness.

You are invited to slow down, breathe deeply, and let beauty speak to you.

You may also like to follow along at my Finding Mary Facebook page.

A Ministry of Beauty

In prayer, I sensed a simple phrase rise in my heart: a ministry of beauty. It felt like a confirmation of what God has been shaping in me for years; a desire to encourage, to uplift, to help others encounter His presence through gentleness, beauty, and peace.

This pilgrimage is part of that ministry. It is my offering. My prayer is that each step along the Way of Beauty will draw you closer to the One who loves you. I hope you'll join me.

​The Role of Expectation in Prayer

 "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him." — Psalm 62:5

Do you struggle with believing prayers? Jesus said to believe that we will receive what we have prayed for an it will be ours. Should we be expectant? 

​In a spiritual context, expectation isn't just "wishing"; it’s a focused form of faith. Here is how it is typically applied to the concept of believing prayer:

​Shifting the Source: The verse suggests that expectation should be placed on the Source (God) rather than the Outcome. When we focus on the outcome, we often get anxious about "how" or "when" it will happen, which creates stress.

​Active vs. Passive Waiting: Expectation is an active stance. It’s like a traveler standing at a bus stop; they aren't just standing there, they are looking down the road because they know the bus is coming.

​Confidence in Character: Belief often flows more easily when it’s based on the character of the provider. Expectation is the quiet confidence that the request has been heard and is being handled.

​A Practical Shift

​If you feel like you are "trying too hard" to believe, it can actually create more internal resistance. Sometimes, the most effective way to apply this is to move from petition (asking) to gratitude (thanking).

​Instead of trying to force a feeling of "it's mine," try sitting with the phrase, "Thank you that this is being handled." This often feels more natural and less "forced" than trying to convince your brain of something it can't see yet.

Lavender Blessings: The Sacred Connection with Mary - Excerpt

Lavender has long been cherished for its tranquil qualities, often associated with the serene presence of the Virgin Mary. In the midst of our busy lives, embracing the calmness that lavender offers can serve as a spiritual practice. The gentle aroma and calming properties of lavender provide a perfect backdrop for prayer and reflection, allowing Christian women to connect more deeply with their faith and the divine. This sacred herb invites a sense of peace, making it easier to hear the whispers of God in our hearts.

Historically, lavender has been used in Marian shrines around the world, symbolizing purity and devotion. Pilgrims visiting these sacred sites often find themselves surrounded by the soothing scent of lavender, which enhances their spiritual experience. As they light candles and offer prayers, the presence of lavender acts as a reminder of Mary’s nurturing spirit, guiding them towards inner peace. This historical connection enriches our understanding of how lavender has been intertwined with devotion to the Virgin Mary for centuries.

I have developed a full series on Youtube titled In the Virtual Garden
focusing on prayer time with Mary.

 

In many cultures, gardens dedicated to the Virgin Mary are adorned with lavender, creating sanctuaries of tranquility. These gardens serve not only as a place for prayer but also as a refuge for those seeking solace. The vibrant purple blooms invite contemplation and provide a space for women to gather, share their faith, and support one another. Such environments foster a deep sense of community, enhancing the spiritual journey that lavender inspires.

Above excerpt from Chapter 6 - The Transformative Power of Lavender in Daily Life. Embracing Calmness and Peace through Lavender. 

Lavender Blessings: The Sacred Connection with Mary Kindle Edition

by Cheryl Yale-Bruedigam (Author)