God makes the most ordinary things extraordinary! (UPDATED 8/21/2025)

Happy Birthday to

our Heavenly Mama Mary!

If one isn't aware, today - August 5th - is the Blessed Virgin's historical birthday.  At least that's what she supposedly said to several of the visionaries from the Church-approved apparition site of Medjugorje, although the Feast of Our Lady's Nativity is officially observed on September 8th.  What's more is that the Holy Virgin allegedly made the same revelation to another group of seers during the reported Marian apparitions at Oliveto Citra (Italy), which are still ongoing and under ecclesiastical investigation.

Anyway, concerning this date, allow me to share an amusing story that happened this afternoon: being a believer in the Medjugorje events and a devotee of the Virgin Mary, I privately observe each August 5th as her birthday ... and today was no different.  I went to Mass at Noon and sang "Happy Birthday" within my heart before a statue of our Heavenly Mother.  

Before returning to my office, I took a break on a bench, in the shade, next to a large planter.  Casually glancing into the planter, my eyes happened to rest on a leaf in the shrubbery that stood out because of its peculiar white pattern.  I was immediately captivated.

Just look at the photo I took of it and one will understand why ...

I won't state more about that unusual leaf because I think the photo - the specific pattern on its surface - is pretty self-explanatory, given the occasion.  Indeed, God has a way of transforming the most ordinary circumstances into the extraordinary!  I chuckled to myself, snapped pics, then went back to work smiling and uplifted - Thanks be to God!

Reflecting on today's happenings, I think this message from Medjugorje given by Our Lady back in 8/25/2003, fits the scenario perfectly:

“Dear children!  Also today I call you to give thanks to God in your heart for all the graces which He gives you, also through the signs and colors that are in nature.  God wants to draw you closer to Himself and moves you to give Him glory and thanks.  Therefore, little children, I call you anew to pray, pray, pray and do not forget that I am with you.  I intercede before God for each of you until your joy in Him is complete.  Thank you for having responded to my call.”

You can't make this stuff up.

* * *  U P D A T E :  8 / 2 1 / 2 0 2 5  * * *

Here's an amusing update concerning the leaf pictured above.  After Mass, today, I took another break next to the same planter to make a quick phone call.  I looked for the leaf and found it, only to discover the white pattern had changed a little - see for yourself:

Now she has a child with her - unbelievable!  Again, God has a way of making ordinary things extraordinary!