Introducing The Holy Image Umbrellas: A Unique Catholic Gift of Beauty and Faith Combined
The Holy Image Umbrellas are one of the most special creations at Marie Madeleine. They are not simply products in my online shop—they are deeply personal pieces born from prayer.
Marie Madeleine is not just a business. It is a vision I received in my heart, and these umbrellas are part of that story—created to bring faith into everyday life in a tangible way.
My name is Monika Guiberteau, and I am the owner of Marie Madeleine. I want to share how this journey began, because it is far from a traditional business story. I never imagined myself as a business owner, but God had a different plan for me.
A Calling That Began in Medjugorje
In May of 2024, I went on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, and something profoundly shifted within me. There, I felt a clear and persistent calling to begin a Catholic shop. It was not fleeting—it was peaceful, steady, and undeniable.
But I did not come from a business background.
After studying Dance Performance at Oklahoma City University, I built a career in the entertainment industry. I performed at Walt Disney World, appeared in films such as Pitch Perfect, worked on Imagination Movers on the Disney Channel, acted in commercials, and toured as a dancer and magician’s assistant for illusionist Rob Lake. I also spent years teaching dance and choreographing competitive teams.
My life was rooted in performance, creativity, and discipline—but not entrepreneurship. The idea of building an online shop felt unfamiliar and daunting.
Still, the calling remained.
It was strong enough to feel intimidating at times, but I felt supported—especially through Mother Mary. I chose to take a leap of faith, trusting that if this was truly from God, I would be guided step by step.
And I was—I had everything in place within seven months.
Our Medjugorje's Blue Cross Blank Card in our Greeting Card Collection—perfect for writing down your prayer intentions to carry with you on your next pilgrimage.
Learning as You Go, Guided by Faith
After COVID in 2021, I consecrated myself to Mother Mary under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe. That devotion has become deeply woven into Marie Madeleine, which is why you will often see pieces inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe throughout the shop. Since that consecration, my faith has never been the same—I cannot imagine going backwards. It was a true turning point in my spiritual journey.
Soon after, God placed new friendships in my life that unexpectedly became part of this journey. They guided me, supported me, and helped me understand where to even begin.
There is no manual for entrepreneurship—especially when it is rooted in faith. You learn as you go. You ask questions. You make mistakes. And through it all, you grow.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that asking for help is not weakness. Often, it is one of the ways God provides direction through the people He places in our lives. Pray first, trust Him, and He will guide your steps.
“A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure.” -Sirach 6:14
Why Marie Madeleine?
I chose the name Marie Madeleine for my online shop because it is the French spelling of Mary Magdalene. The name felt deeply meaningful to me for several reasons. It honors my French heritage through my family name, Guiberteau, while also reflecting Louisiana, where I live—a place richly shaped by French history, culture, Catholic roots, and traditions.
Mary Magdalene is also one of the most profound figures in the Gospel. She is a witness to redemption—someone who experienced darkness and was restored completely by the mercy of Christ. She was the first to proclaim the Resurrection, showing us that love and grace can transform every part of a life. Her story reflects the heart of this Catholic shop: that no one is ever too far from God’s light.
The Inspiration Behind the Holy Image Umbrellas
The idea for the Holy Image Umbrellas came unexpectedly, but with clarity.
Living in Louisiana, rain is a familiar part of everyday life from time to time—especially in May (lately), when storms, heavy downpours, and flooding are common. In that reality, I began reflecting on how something as ordinary as an umbrella could be transformed into something meaningful—something that quietly reminds us of God’s presence in daily life.
That thought stayed with me and continued to grow over time.
Eventually, it became clear that I wanted to create umbrellas featuring sacred images of Jesus, Mother Mary, and Saint Joseph—offering a simple yet beautiful way to carry reminders of faith wherever we go, even in the midst of a storm.
To bring this vision to life, I partnered with Gembah in Austin, Texas, who helped design and manufacture these reversible umbrellas with care and intention, ensuring both quality and meaning were woven into every detail.
They are intentional, symbolic, and devotional—created not only for protection from the rain, but to gently bring Heaven into everyday moments.
Rita, from my manufacturer, holding the Jesus with the Crown of Thorns Umbrella.
More Than an Umbrella
These umbrellas are not for everyone.
Some people see them and immediately think, “That is a little too much for me,” and that is okay. But others—especially those with deep devotion—have a very different response. I have seen people pause, get emotional, or simply stare in quiet awe when they see them opened.
There is something powerful about looking up in the rain and seeing a sacred image of Jesus, Mary, or Joseph above you.
In that moment, it becomes more than protection from the rain—it becomes a reminder.
A reminder of the sacrifice and suffering Jesus bore on the Cross for us—so that we may receive the gift of salvation, His mercy, and the hope of eternal life in Heaven. A reminder that Mother Mary watches over us beneath her mantle, gently leading us to her Son, and that Saint Joseph faithfully protects and guides us.
Bringing The Holy Family Into Everyday Moments
At Marie Madeleine, my hope with the Holy Image Umbrellas is to help bring Jesus and the Holy Family into everyday life in a tangible way.
Mother Mary always leads us closer to her Son, Jesus. Saint Joseph is the perfect example of a faithful, strong, and humble father—someone who cared for and protected Jesus and His mother on earth.
Through them, we are reminded that God chose a family on earth to care for His Son—and that their “yes” to God changed the world. We are always invited to be grateful for their obedience, their love, and their example.
The Holy Image Umbrellas were created not only to be beautiful, but to carry meaning. Keep one in your car so you are always prepared for an unexpected rainy day. This is not something to be treated casually—it is meant to be cherished and cared for.
They also make a meaningful gift for a nun, priest, deacon, or a loved one deeply rooted in their faith—someone who will truly understand and appreciate this unique Catholic gift.
Why are they so special?
Because they remind us that Heaven is our true home, and we are called to keep Christ at the center of all things.
We are guided.
We are protected.
And we are never walking alone.
Shop our Holy Image Umbrella Collection today
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https://shopmariemadeleine.com/collections/umbrellas
The Holy Family Prayer
JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that You found in Your own family in the little town of Nazareth.
MARY, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.
JOSEPH, Foster-father of Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement and anxiety.
HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may be greater than all weaknesses and trials through which our families may pass. May we always keep God at the center of our hearts and homes, until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. Amen.
