As I journey as a pilgrim in this life God has brought many spiritual mothers into my life. One I would like to speak of now is one who I can give credit to for the idea of a patron saint for each member of my family at the beginning of each new liturgical year; Maria Von Trapp. Yes, the main character in the beloved movie, “The Sound of Music.” Most folks know the movie was based on a real Maria and a real von Trapp family. And they were totally Catholic! I have always been attracted by Catholic women who, guided by their steadfast love for Christ and His church and their families, have been bold and courageous witnesses to justice, truth, goodness, beauty and mercy in our world.

Through reading, “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers” and “ Around the Year with the Von Trapp Family,” I came to know Maria and her family. Each feast of Christ the King, Maria would compile a list of newly canonized saints, one for each of her family members. During the feast day meal, each family member would pick a name from a hat and that would be their patron saint for the year. This saint would be their prayer companion, to study about and to give a presentation to the family on their saint’s feast day. What a neat idea!

So five years ago we started this tradition and have adapted it a little bit over the years. One year we chose all Blesseds, last year all Servants of God, and this year we chose all Saints from the Bzyantine Rite. These patron saints really become our companions throughout the year, beginning with family morning prayer where we each ask for the intercession of our saintly friends. And each time we say the name aloud of our newly picked ‘saint’ we find ourselves wanting to also say the name of our previous spiritual friend, as if we don’t want to leave them behind! They really do become spiritual companions. Thank you Maria Von Trapp for sharing this family ‘treasure’ as it has truly become a treasure for ours.

To God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be the glory forever and ever. Amen.