Vivian Kees has been a friend of our Lady’s Association for over 25 years—since 1983. She doesn’t remember why she first began writing to our Lady’s Association, however, she thinks a friend might have told her about us.

 

Her love of the Blessed Mother goes back to her early childhood. Her parents would pray the rosary at noon when the men who worked on their family farm came in to eat their meal.

 

She is extremely proud that she and her husband raised six children, providing them with a Catholic education all the way through high school. Each of their children went on to graduate from college.

 

To Jesus—Through Mary

When her husband, Jerold, died after being struck by lightning, Vivian turned to our Lady to help her through the trauma of this tragic loss. Through the Blessed Mother’s intercession with her divine Son, Vivian received the graces she needed to accept God’s will in her life.

 

Mary’s intercession has been evident at many other times in her life. One example was the time her son and daughter were both looking for work. Vivian sent her petitions to our Lady’s Shrine for help. Soon after, both of her children found jobs that exceeded their expectations.

 

Vivian has many other stories to tell about the graces her family has received through the intercession of our Lady. She relates, “My son says it best, ‘Jesus really does what his mother wants him to do.’” Vivian goes on to say, “I believe, too, that we go to Jesus through Mary.”

 

Since our Lady has such a vital role in her life, Vivian believes that the most important work we do is that of spreading devotion to our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. She believes the story of the Miraculous Medal is one that needs to be told to as many people as possible.

 

Her First Association Pilgrimage

In 2005, Vivian joined us on the Association’s pilgrimage to Poland and France. She enjoyed the whole pilgrimage experience, and the high point of her trip was the privilege of being in Krakow, Poland, on the day of the Holy Father’s funeral.

 

Vivian so enjoyed her 2005 pilgrimage that she joined us again in March 2006, when we traveled to Italy. Although Vivian was one of the more senior pilgrims in our tour group, she was a vibrant member of our little band, adding a lot of energy to the trip.

 

A Charter Member of the Crown of Our Lady Club

She is a charter member of the Association’s Crown of Our Lady Club and Vivian proudly wore her Crown Club membership pin on both pilgrimages.  This is just one of the little things she does to promote devotion to our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

 

Remembering Our Lady's Association in Her Will

Vivian has been a generous friend of our Lady’s Association for many years, and in an act of special favor, she has remembered the Association in her will. We are truly grateful for her friendship and the many kindnesses she has shown our Lady’s Association over the years, and wish her all the best. Thank you so much, Vivian.

 

Our Lady has blessed Vivian with many graces in her life. Vivian wanted to share her personal experiences with you to thank our Lady for her many kindnesses and as another way to spread devotion to our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. She would like to invite you to become closer to Mary and her divine Son.