Madonna of the Towel The Sunbow
Even though Mary might not have needed confirmation -- or a divine sign -- to answer her call, I was skeptical at best. But I received the signs that I needed. Throughout the four year period that the "Visions from Mary" project was conceived and completed, I received many confirmations from our Creator and Mother Mary. They always reminded me that I was "on the right track" and that indeed the project was divinely ordained.
After Mary appeared to give me the title of an upcoming painting, I would receive a confirmation about it. For example, the day after she gave me the title "The Annunciation," I received a post card in the mail from a friend that depicted Gabriel kneeling and handing Mary a white lily with the title "Annunciation" written on the front of the card. Typically, cards of "The Annunciation" are sent at Christmas and this was in September! My friend said she just liked the image on the post card and felt inspired to send it to me.
I received another confirmation about "The Lamb of God." I actually questioned Mary about this one! A week after receiving the title, I was invited to a Catholic mass. Having a Presbyterian background, I didn't know what to expect, but I went anyway. When we entered the pew, I looked down and on the seat was a small golden rose. I picked it up and noticed it was the front of an earring that had been broken off. I clutched it throughout the service, and when we left the cathedral, I was drawn to a beautiful stained glass window. It was a realistic portrayal of Christ, holding a lamb. At His feet was a golden primrose bush, with an image identical to the golden rose earring! Words were written on the bottom border of the window, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." I then heard Mary's gentle voice very plainly say, "See my daughter, do not question, I wish "The Lamb of God" to be your next painting!"
A manifestation that cannot be overlooked was my "Madonna of the Towel." Everyday, I take time to walk in nature. I then say prayers of thankfulness, prayers for help and guidance, and then spend time listening.
In July 1996 I was out walking when I plainly heard Mary say, "You shall now receive the "anointing of healing" in your hands." While I was wondering what she meant, my hands started to grow hotter and hotter. It was not from the hot July weather, but an inner heat that emanated from inside my hands outward. When I returned from my walk that Sunday, I shared the story with my husband while I did laundry. I placed a stack of neatly folded towels in the bathroom, next to the Jacuzzi as I always did. We left shortly after that to get a bite to eat, returning later that evening. When I walked into the bathroom and glanced at the "neatly folded towels," I couldn't believe what I saw! The very top towel had formed into a perfect image of the Madonna holding the baby Jesus! I went over and felt the sculpted towel. It appeared rather hard, as if it were spray starched. It reminded me of the Michelangelo sculpture of the Pieta that I had seen in Rome.
I prayed and asked why the miraculous manifestation occurred. The answer was that the "Madonna of the Towel" was a confirmation for me that indeed I had received the "anointing of healing" in my hands. I later remembered that Christ took a towel, before He was crucified, and wiped His disciples feet. What a fitting material to use for a miraculous manifestation!
In October 1997, I was returning from Washington, DC after giving a lecture. My husband and I stopped at the Grotto at Mount St. Mary College in Emmitsburg, Maryland. There were not many people in the Grotto as we walked around. It was very peaceful. As we were leaving, I glanced up at the 200-foot high, golden statue of Mary, and above it was the most beautiful sunbow. I call it a sunbow because there was no rain in sight. Mary told me that the "sunbow" is her symbol of hope, not only for me, but also for humanity. A gentleman next to us took a picture of the statue with the sunbow. I gave him one of my business cards and told him that when he had them developed to please send me one.
Several days later, Mary mentioned to me that December was going to be pivotal for moving the project forward. She said, "December is the twelfth month of the year, and twelve is the number of completion". She also said, "Daughter, watch for a sign from me on December 12th (12/12).
By this time, I had totally forgotten about the photographs of the golden statue and the sunbow. But on December 12th, I received an envelope from Baltimore, MD. Sure enough, the photographs had arrived of the Grotto, as a sign for me -- on the very date that Mary told me to watch for!