Letter to Young Girls

Dear Friend,

It was time for evening prayer next to the manger. After having underlined that this third day of January was the feast day of the Holy Name of Jesus, Mathilda’s father ended the prayer with a wonderful invocation: “May the very holy and adorable name of Jesus be praised, blessed, loved, worshipped and glorified forever, on earth as in heaven, by all the creatures created by the hand of God.”

The day before, joyful guests enlivened the house: Sophie, Colombe and Xavier and their families, and they were joined by Mrs. Izabella. The reception, filled with the spirit of the holiday season, was a success. Mathilda and Sophie are always happy to be together, and the ambience between the two families is most pleasant since they share all the wonderful values the Work advocates.

It goes without saying that Colombe, whose pregnancy was now showing, was affectionately the center of attention during this marvelous evening. In fact, everyone wanted to know how she was feeling, if they had started preparing the baby’s room, if she and Xavier wanted a boy or a girl and if they had chosen its name.

Mathilda thought again of the different names she and Sophie had suggested yesterday when the question had been asked of Colombe. Then, seeing the manger brought her thoughts back to the day’s feast, the holy name of Jesus. Of course, the Infant Jesus also had to have a name! However, in His case, it was more the archangel Gabriel who had imposed it: “You will give him the name Jesus. He will be great.”

In our day, the choice of a child’s given name is often based on how it sounds, on its originality, sometimes on a whim or even in honor of a sports figure or movie star. However, for the parents, the duty of giving their child a name is not a trivial matter. It even has an importance for Heaven because, at times, this latter intervenes directly to give a child its name or to change the name of a person who has a special divine mission, as we can see from Holy Scripture.

That is why the choice of a given name, on the part of Christian parents and especially the mother, must be made, above all, in a spirit of faith, prayer and love, while being attentive to events and the inspiration from Heaven. By making sure to give the child a Christian name, it then also benefits from a patron saint.

As she reflected on this, Mathilda asked: “Mom, tell me, why did you call me ‘Mathilda’?”

–“Ah, that is a wonderful and sweet story. Here it is! I had asked the Blessed Virgin to indicate to me my child’s name. During my pregnancy, I was worried for this baby whom I loved so much and who would come into a world that was so opposed to God’s wisdom. I know that it isn’t always easy for you, my dear, especially when one wants to always be good.

One day, as I was praying, a name forcefully came to my mind: Mathilda. I didn’t think I knew anyone by that name. I thought it was a lovely name. It spoke to my heart. So, I went to look up its meaning on Internet. It means: ‘vigorousness in battle, strength, power’. Right away, this comforted me. I understood that the Blessed Virgin wanted to tell me that even if my child was born in a difficult era or period, it could have a valorous life by committing itself to fight the good fight out of love of God.

Moreover, there was a saint who bore that name. You can imagine my joy when I learned that I had given birth to a girl. For me, there was no hesitation; you would be called ‘Mathilda’. I prayed that you would be a fighter in favor of the good in you and in your life first of all. See how you have a wonderful mission and how your name gives meaning to your life? I like to think it’s the Blessed Virgin who gave you this beautiful given name, and I hope that you identify with it. Who knows if your destiny is not bound in with it? You are a blessed grain, my dear! And the Quinternity, who loves you and knows your name, wants you in the service of Good.”

On this calm winter evening, these maternal secrets penetrated Mathilda’s heart. She felt overwhelmed by a mysterious feeling which plunged her soul in contemplation. Her name is “Mathilda” which means “strong in battle”! She can win battles through the power of goodness, love, the giving of self, honesty, sacrifice and prayer if she keeps God alive in her heart. There you have the noble destiny her name caused to shine brightly before her, like a calling, an appeal!

The Daughters of Mary