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| Did I do the wrong thing? | |
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| Topic Started: Sunday, 14. June 2009, 10:43 (164 Views) | |
| Poesy | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 10:43 Post #1 |
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As members here probably know that, by the Grace of God, I am a Catholic convert of long standing. Well, during Easter week, I felt the Holy Spirit move me to send my sister a Rosary, which I did along with a booklet explaining the history of the Rosary and prayers. My sister is attends a Baptist Church in Scotland. I never received acknowledgement from her, no contact, just total silence. A telephone conversation with my mother revealed that my sister did no really appreciate me sending her a Rosary and that the Baptists don't do that sort of thing ! Well , I know full well that Baptists don't do the Rosary, nor do they even use proper wine at communion. But my reason for sending her a gift was purely from my heart , and by no means proselytizing. I just thought she would be mature and open minded enough to want to find out why we love and honour Our Blessed Mother. She doesn't know what she is missing. I can only pray that one day Our Blessed Mother will triumph and win her heart over. 
Edited by Poesy, Sunday, 14. June 2009, 10:53.
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| KatyA | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 11:56 Post #2 |
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I can't see that what you did could ever be described as "wrong" Poesy. You thought of your sister and sent her a gift which meant a lot to you, as she does. So far, you only know of her reaction "second hand" so don't worry about it. Your gift could bear fruit in years to come even if it means little now. 
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| Mrs.Pogle | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 12:19 Post #3 |
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No, I don't think you did wrong either ~ and as Katy says, you never know what fruit your gift will bear! The friend I visited in hospital yesterday is also a Baptist, but I have always shared my Catholic fath with her, and sent prayer cards and medals at birthdays and Christmas etc. Recently, she asked me for a Rosary, so I sent one I had blessed by a Franciscan Friar. When I visited yesterday, she was holding it in her hand, and I saw on her table some CTS booklets, and an Icon of Mary and Jesus. She is obviously gaining so much comfort from our blessed Mother, who has gently revealed herself to my friend. How can we not want to share such beautiful love with others?! I will pray for your Sister
Edited by Mrs.Pogle, Sunday, 14. June 2009, 12:20.
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"Living Life on the Home Front!" My Blog: Life on the Home Front  “It is most laudable in a married woman to be devout, but she must never forget that she is a housewife. And sometimes she must leave God at the altar to find Him in her housekeeping.” ~ St. Frances of Rome | |
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| Mairtin | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 12:49 Post #4 |
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I think you may have gone a bit too far, Poesy. When we get so much fulfilment and even excitement from our religious beliefs, it is only natural that we want to share them with our nearest and dearest but when it comes to religion, I think we have to temper that desire to what they are ready to receive or we run the risk of actually putting them off. I think that particularly applies when the other person is already actively following another region – would you welcome a Jehovah’s Witness friend trying to push their religion onto you? That may not be what you intended but it is obviously how your sister interpreted it. Mrs. Pogle’s case is different; her friend had expressed a willingness to find out more about Mrs Pogle’s beliefs and actually asked for the Rosary. I think maybe you should send a note or card to you sister apologising for any offence that you may have caused, however unintentional, and explaining that you simply wanted to share with her something that was very special to you and the very last thing in the world you wanted to do was upset her or cause her any annoyance. |
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Online Prayer - Night Prayer, Rosary and Lectio Divina Visit www.roomtopray.net for details of days and times | |
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| Deleted User | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 13:19 Post #5 |
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A gift from the heart and not the head is always a risk. I have a few things which people have given me over the years which have not been to my liking but still sit on display because they remind me, with fondness of the person or persons who gave them. I think you do need to talk with your sister and clear the air but I would have hoped that she could accept the gift in the loving spirit with which it was offered. |
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| Rose of York | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 14:35 Post #6 |
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Poesy it is probable your sister viewed the gift as an attempt to convert her. I think it would be a good idea to write to her, telling her all you wanted was to explain to her we love and honour the mother of Jesus, because she is his mother, and that you wanted her to understand we do not (as some believe) "worship Mary and put her before God". Would it help if you explain to her that the Rosary is based on scripture, and is one of our ways of meditating on events in the life of Christ? Mind you, she might come back and ask where in Scripture it says that Mary was assumed into Heaven, or crowned Queen of Heaven. Be prepared! |
 Catholic and proud of it! Talk to God before Mass. Talk to each other afterwards | |
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| Poesy | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 16:47 Post #7 |
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Rose, the booklet I sent with the rosary also explains that the prayers are based on scripture. I didn't see it as converting her , but to make her more aware of the Catholic devotion to Our Lady. I will explain when I see her in a weeks time. Thank you Penfold and Mairtin also for your good suggestions. But I must say, that I am taken aback at my sister's attitude. Families !  |
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| Poesy | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 16:53 Post #8 |
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Thanks Katy, I am totally baffled at how anyone can be offended over a Rosary. Not to receive as much a thank you from my sister hurts me more than anything. I mistakingly thought she would take interest and be grown up and mature about it. So much for ecumenicism  My mother is more understanding and accepting of these things, thank God I can talk to her. Edited by Poesy, Sunday, 14. June 2009, 16:57.
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| Poesy | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 16:55 Post #9 |
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I do feel comforted by all your replies and prayers. You are all so very kind. I shall be seeing my sister in a weeks time, and clear up any misunderstanding. My other sister [who is like really charismatic evangelical] , is coming over from New Jersey, and has bought a house , decided to retire back in Scotland. So I 'd better watch my P's and Q's , when I see her as well, as in a previous telephone conversation, she tells me that you have to wave your arms about and praise the Lord, that that is the proper way to praise the Lord. She says that my mum will go to the devil is she doesn't, which is totally ridiculous, as my mum is 83 , and living on her own. My mum prefers quiet prayer and worship. Talk about brainwashed   Edited by Poesy, Sunday, 14. June 2009, 17:08.
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| Rose of York | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 16:59 Post #10 |
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Poesy you and I know you were not trying to convert your sister, I just wondered if she had misinterpreted the motive for the gift? |
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Catholic and proud of it! Talk to God before Mass. Talk to each other afterwards | |
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| Poesy | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 17:12 Post #11 |
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I can't understand what these Baptists are afraid of. I even got the rosary blessed before I sent it. My older sister, whom I shall also be seeing is a 'way out there' evangelical , trying to tell us how we should pray . 
Edited by Poesy, Sunday, 14. June 2009, 17:13.
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| Deleted User | Sunday, 14. June 2009, 18:12 Post #12 |
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With Royal Mail I bless evrything before I send it.  but seriously Poesy I would wait a while and I am sure the spirit in which you sent the gift of the rosary will have a positive effect. You were inspired to send it and never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit. Love conquers all. |
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| Poesy | Monday, 15. June 2009, 07:35 Post #13 |
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| sumermamma | Tuesday, 3. November 2009, 00:27 Post #14 |
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Usually, Posey, it's the Baptist who try to convert the Catholics and you preempted her. Give her time. |
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