The Catholic Defender: The 15 Promises Our Lady gave for the Rosary. The First Promise
1. Whosoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.
[A signal grace may be a simple sign in daily life that answers a question made in prayer or points towards God’s will. For example, seeing a rose after finishing a novena to St. Therese of Lisieux could be considered a signal grace. Signal graces are often subtle or seemingly coincidental.]
I often will ask people what they think of a coincidence and they will often respond that it could be a natural happening. In truth, a coincidence could be a natural happening, but I like to interject that a coincidence is a way in which God remains anonymous. A signal grace may not be an outright sign or miracle per-say, but these graces are a means God uses to increase our recognition of His presence in our lives.
This first promise is a very hopeful support to the believer who is working through life with the constant struggles. Our Lady is offering hope to the faithful dedicated to the Rosary. St. Bernardine of Siena stated of the Virgin Mary, "You must know that when you 'hail' Mary, she immediately greets you! Don't think that she is one of those rude women of whom there are so many-on the contrary, she is utterly courteous and pleasant. If you greet her, she will answer you right away and converse with you!"
A life of prayer helps the Believer to recognize blessings from God even in the midst of turmoil. 2 Corinthians 8:7-8 states, "Now as you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you, may you excel in this gracious act also. I say this not by way of command, but to test the genuineness of your love by your concern for others." There are a zillion examples that can be offered here how The Virgin Mary keeps this promise.
St. Paul wrote something very interesting about signal graces, "But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift" (Ephesians 4:7). The Lord Jesus Christ is promising through His Mother Mary to offer such gifts for the commitment of the Rosary. Answered prayer such as for a healing can be a signal grace, that could also include healing from a medical procedure. A signal grace could be an interior revelation. You might have read a scripture text a thousand times but it took this one time before the lightbulb turned on, a special revelation.
I think prayer can help keep a person in the spiritual mind and Heaven is calling for the Rosary to be offered for sinners. Signal graces can be an expression coming from God as a way of showing grace and approval for our faithfulness. That will certainly instill hope as we continue this walk through life.
The old cattle drives in the old west would follow "trail markers" that help them travel the right way to their destination. Signal graces can help build trust and encourage the faithful on this way of pilgrimage.
Consider what some of the Saints have said about Our Lady:
"O sinner, be not discouraged, but have recourse to Mary in all you necessities. Call her to your assistance, for such is the divine Will that she should help in every kind of necessity."
- Saint Basil the Great
"If you invoke the blessed Virgin when you are tempted, she will come at once to your help, and Satan will leave you."
- Saint John Vianney
"If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon our Lady, just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit, this prayer has never failed me."
- Blessed Mother Teresa
"Even while living in the world, the heart of Mary was so filled with motherly tenderness and compassion for men that no-one ever suffered so much for their own pains, as Mary suffered for the pains of her children."
- Saint Jerome
"As mariners are guided into port by the shining of a star, so Christians are guided to heaven by Mary."
- Saint Thomas Aquinas
"To give worthy praise to the Lord's mercy, we unite ourselves with your immaculate mother, for then our hymn will be more pleasing to you, because she is chosen from among men and angels. Through her, as through a pure crystal, your mercy was passed on to us. Through her, man became pleasing to God; Through her, streams of grace flowed down upon us."
- Saint Faustina
"May the mother of Jesus and our mother, always smile on your spirit, obtaining for it, from her most holy son, every heavenly blessing."
- Saint Padre Pio
"In trial or difficulty I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear."
- Saint Therese of Lisieux
Just looking at the samples of the Saints examples teaches us much value in our walk of faith. Trusting in God seeing His blessings coming in so many ways, what a grace it is that we can be thankful for all the signal graces granted us.
