Tag Archives: Our Lady

Feast Days, Our Lady, Saint of the Day, Suffering

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Our Lady of Sorrows, Feast Day September 15

Baciccio Pieta 1667 Public Domain Image
Baciccio Pieta 1667

The Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15. It dates back to the 12th century when it was promoted by the Cistercians and the Servites.

The focus of the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is the grief Mary felt during the suffering of her Son, Jesus. As His mother, her heart felt intense pain and sorrow.

Below are the seven sorrows of Mary:

  1. The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
  2. The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
  3. Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)
  4. Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
  5. Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
  6. The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)
  7. The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47)

As we reflect on the sorrows and suffering Mary experienced as the Mother of God, we can remind ourselves of the human nature of both Jesus and Mary. They felt pain. They felt grief. They felt loss. They wept.

Jesus has two natures: Human and Divine. Mary is not Divine. She is human like you and me. We can only wonder at her strength and holiness as she drank from the bitter cup of suffering.

Giovanni bellini pieta martinengo Public Domain Image
Giovanni bellini pieta martinengo
Public Domain Image
Whoever you are who love the Mother of God, take note and reflect with all your innermost feelings upon her who wept for the Only Begotten as He died…The grief she felt in the Passion of her son goes beyond all understanding.
Quote of St. Amadeus of Lausanne; Feast Day January 28

La Pieta Michelangelo Public Domain Image
La Pieta Michelangelo

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Faith, Pope Francis

Pope Francis Reflects on Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows




 

Our Lady of Sorrows Public Domain Image
Our Lady of Sorrows
Public Domain Image

Today, at Casa Santa Mara, Pope Francis reflected on the obedience and suffering of Mary at the foot of the Cross. The Mass commemorated the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrow. 

The Feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15.  According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis said that in the liturgy we are shown the glorious Cross, then the meek and humble Mother.

 

During his homily, Pope Francis said that Paul emphasized three strong words. Jesus “learned, obeyed and suffered” It was the opposite of what had happened to our father Adam. Adam did not want to learn, obey or suffer. Jesus, even though He is God, humbles Himself on the glorious Cross and becomes a servant.

Continuing his homily, Pope Francis told how Jesus came into the world to learn how to be a man, and by being a man, he walked with men. He came into the world to obey, and He obeyed. He learned obedience from suffering. This obedience brings hope. People who walk with God walk with hope.

Pope Francis shared that Mary, Jesus’ Mother, was the New Eve (as Paul himself calls her), so that she too can learn, suffer, and obey. “Thus”, Pope Francis said, “She becomes Mother.” In the Gospel Mary is at the foot of the Cross at the crucifixion. Jesus says to John, “Behold your mother.”

“Mary, is anointed Mother.” Pope Francis said. “We are not orphans, we have Mothers; Mother Mary. But the Church is Mother and Mother Church is anointed when it takes the same path of Jesus and Mary: the path of obedience, the path of suffering, and when she has that attitude of continually learning the path of the Lord. These two women…Mary and the Church…carry on the hope that is Christ, they give us Christ, they bring forth Christ in us. Without Mary, there would be no Jesus Christ; without the Church, we cannot go forward. Two women and two mothers and next to them our soul, which in the words of Isaac, the abbot of Stella, is “feminine” and is like “Mary and the Church”. Pope Francis concluded his homily by saying:

“Today, looking at this woman by the Cross, steadfast in following her Son in His suffering to learn obedience, looking at her we see the Church and look at our Mother. And also, we look at our little soul that will never be lost, if it continues to be a woman close to these two great women who accompany us in life: Mary and the Church. And just as our fathers left Paradise with a promise, today we can go forward with a hope: the hope that our Mother Mary, steadfast at the Cross, and our Holy Mother, the hierarchical Church, give us. “

 

 

Mary, Mother of Jesus Good Friday Public Domain Image
Mary, Mother of Jesus Good Friday
Public Domain Image

This article was originally published on September 15, 2014.

 

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Feast Days, Our Lady, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Feast Day of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Our Lady of Lourdes Public Domain Image
Our Lady of Lourdes

The Feast Day of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 12.

On this day we reflect on the titles given to Mary.  Why has she become known by so many names?  Which name touches you the most when you think about the Blessed Virgin Mary?  Mary, Mother of God?  Mary, Queen of Saints?  The Immaculate Heart of Mary?

Each name tells us something about Mary, who loved and gave birth to Jesus.  Our Sorrowful Mother helps us to reflect on the suffering Mary experienced.    Some of her titles refer to the place in which she appeared to someone:  Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Other titles refer to her spirituality:  Our Lady of the Rosary,  Our Lady of Grace,  Mystical Rose, Star of the Sea.

The name we are given at birth is important.  We are called by that name throughout our life.  Each of us has been called to do something specific for God.  Perhaps it is prayer.  Perhaps it is raising a family with love.  Perhaps it is a profession like teaching or medicine, or farming.

Mary was called by God  for a very special purpose.  She was asked to love and raise Jesus, the Son of God.  She became the Mother of God and loved him in a way none of us can.

Today is a day to reflect on the role of Mary in the life of Jesus.  We can also reflect on our role in the world.  If we honor and imitate the mother of Jesus, we can be certain that we will come to know Jesus better.

Mary  is called Queen of Martyrs, for her martyrdom was the lengthiest, most intense, and most loving.
Quote of Bl. James Alberione

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Feast Days, Our Lady, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Nativity of Virgin Mary, Feast Day September 8

 

 
 
St. Anne with the Virgin Mary


St. Anne with the Virgin Mary

 

The Feast Day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 8.  On this day the church reflects on the birth of Mary and her role in salvation.

Mary was the only child of St. Anne and St. Joachim.  They had been praying for a child and it seemed as if they would be unable to conceive.  However, although St. Anne was not young, she conceived and became the mother of the mother of God!

The feast day is celebrated nine months after the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.  The Immaculate Conception celebrates the belief that Mary was born without the stain of original sin.  She was the “second Eve”.  Eve, also was born without original sin but she chose to disobey God.  Mary, however, always said “yes” to God.

Reflecting on the life of Mary can take us in many directions.  How is it possible to become the Mother of God?  How is it possible to become the Grandmother of God as St. Anne did?   We know that Mary was chosen for the title of Mother of God.  St. Anne and St. Joachim were also chosen…to be the parents of Mary.

We too have been chosen.  Where is God leading you?  Is your family life holy?  What needs to improve in your life to help you grow closer to God?  Is your prayer life healthy?  Learning to communicate with God leads us to know his will in our life.    Just as Mary said “yes”, we too must try to do the will of God.

Each of us is unique in the way we communicate with God.  Exploring the different prayer styles can help us to find the type of prayer that suits us best.  To understand what God’s will is, we must discover how God is “present” in our life.  Making time for prayer is the first step.  Admitting that we need guidance (humility)  will help us to take the time to listen for the whisper that comes from God.

The Virgin Mother’s heart remained perpetually inflamed with the holy love which she received of her Son.
Quote of St. Francis de Sales;  Feast Day January 24

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Faith, Prayer, Spirituality

Praying the Rosary Brings You Closer to Jesus




 

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Statue
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Statue

 

The practice of praying the rosary has its historical roots with St. Dominic. St. Dominic founded the Order of Preachers or Dominicans. Monks in the monasteries recited the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours) daily. This included all 150 Psalms. The lay people were unable to read so they substituted Ave Maria’s (Hail Mary’s) for the psalms. The first half of the rosary is found in the Bible.

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.”

This statement was made by Archangel Gabriel (Luke 1: 26). The second part of the prayer is a prayer is a request that Mary pray for us at the time of death.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

By meditating on the life of Jesus, the rosary brings Jesus into our daily life. There are four sets of mysteries which we meditate on: The Joyful , The Glorious, The Sorrowful, and the Luminous

Each set has five mysteries.

The Joyful Mysteries: 1. Annunciation 2. Visitation 3. Birth of Jesus 4. Presentation in the Temple 5. Finding the Child Jesus

The Luminous Mysteries: 1. Christ’s Baptism I the Jordan 2. Wedding at Cana 3. Proclamation of the Kingdom 4. Transfiguration 5. Institution of the Eucharist

Sorrowful Mysteries: 1. Agony in the Garden 2. Scourging at the Pillar 3. Crowning with Thorns 4. Carrying of the Cross 5. Crucifixion

Glorious Mysteries: 1. Resurrection 2. Ascension into Heaven 3. Descent of the Holy Spirit 4. Assumption 5. Crowning of Our Blessed Lady

By meditating and pondering on the life of Christ we receive grace and guidance from the Holy Spirit. A popular saying is “to Jesus, through Mary”. Mary is our spiritual mother. She always guides us to her Son. After the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary is the most popular prayer of the church.

St. John Paul II added the Luminous Mysteries during his papacy.

Do Catholics actually worship Mary when they pray the rosary? Veneration and worship are two different things. To venerate is to honor. Jesus honored his mother. (Isn’t one of the commandments honor thy father and thy mother?) We are called to imitate Jesus. Why then would we pretend Mary doesn’t exist?

Worship is given to God alone (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). All Mary’s power comes from God, not from herself. But we can easily relate to Mary. She was given great responsibility. She was troubled, but her answer was

“Let it be done according to thy word.”

May we always imitate Mary when given an assignment by God!

The following website instructs on how to pray the rosary: ROSARY

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Faith, Feast Days, Our Lady, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Feast of the Queenship of Mary, Feast Day August 22




 

The Coronation of the Virgin Mary by Pencz Public Domain Image
The Coronation of the Virgin Mary
by Pencz

 

The Feast day of The Queenship of Mary is celebrated on August 22.

Why is Mary called a Queen? What other title would you give to the mother of the Prince of Peace?  A prince grows up to become a King.  Jesus is often referred to as our Lord and King.  The mother of a King is given the title of Queen.

The title of Queen began as early as the sixth century.  Mary has been referred to as Queen in several hymns since the 11th century.  The prayer Hail Holy Queen is the prayer which finalizes the Rosary which was begun by St. Dominic.

When we think of Mary as the Mother of Jesus, our King, we should also reflect on our spiritual family as well.  We are all children of God,  Our Creator.  The Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph did not wear earthly crowns, but they reveal to us a kingdom of another kind…the kingdom of God.    In the Our Father, we pray…thy kingdom come.  We are meant to be a part of this kingdom.  As children of God, we are royal children.  Our relationship with God is meant to be that of a family.   God is our Father, Lord and King.  Mary is our Queen Mother and we are called to be royal children who will live in the kingdom of God.

Communication is the key to a happy family.  Prayer is how we communicate with our spiritual family.  We are not alone!   Not only can God hear our prayers, but the angels and saints can also hear our prayers.  When we join our prayers together they become much stronger.  Mary’s prayers especially have special meaning and power.  After all, she is the Queen mother!

As we journey through this earthly kingdom, let us strive to earn a place in the kingdom of God…where the virtues of humility and love are seen in everyone.

Hail Holy Queen

Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria.

Hail, Queen of mercy and of love, O Maria.

Triumph, all ye cherubim,

Sing with us, ye seraphim,

Heaven and earth resound the hymn:

Salve, salve, salve Regina!

Our life, our sweetness, here below,O Maria!

Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria!

Triumph, all ye cherubim,

Sing with us, ye seraphim,

Heaven and earth resound the hymn:

Salve, salve, salve Regina!

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To thee we cry, poor sons of Eve, O Maria!

To thee we sigh, we mourn, we grieve, O Maria!

Triumph, all ye cherubim,

Sing with us, ye seraphim,

Heaven and earth resound the hymn:

Salve, salve, salve Regina!

+

Turn then most gracious Advocate, O Maria!

Toward us thine eyes compassionate, O Maria!

Triumph, all ye cherubim,

Sing with us, ye seraphim,

Heaven and earth resound the hymn:

Salve, salve, salve Regina!

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The cause of joy to men below, O Maria!

The spring through which all graces flow, O Maria!

Angels, all your praises bring,

Earth and heaven, with us sing,

All creation echoing:

Salve, salve, salve Regina!

 

“Who can appraise the jewels

that adorn Mary’s crown?”

Quote of St. Bernard; Feast Day August 20

 

August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

 

 

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Faith, Feast Days, Our Lady, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: The Assumption of Mary, Feast Day August 15

 


The Assumption of Mary by Palma il Vecchio Public Domain Image
The Assumption of Mary by Palma il Vecchio

 

 

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated on August 15. While this is a belief which goes back to the apostolic age, it was proclaimed dogma on Nov. 1, 1950, by Pope Pius XII.

The word assumption means “to take up.” It is believed that Mary was assumed into heaven by the power of God. This is not the same as the Ascension of Jesus. Jesus ascended into heaven by His own power. The assumption of Mary into heaven gives glory to God by whose power she was taken into heaven.

Pope Pius XII in the papal document, Munificentimus Deus gives four reasons why we believe in the dogma of Assumption of Mary. He explained that the uninterrupted tradition about Mary’s death and assumption began in the first century. The belief is expressed in all the ancient liturgies of the Church. He added that the negative evidence is the absence of veneration of a tomb of Mary while most of the apostles have tombs.

In the Old Testament there is the possibility of bodily assumption in the cases of Enoch (Gen. 5:24), Moses (Deut. 34:5) and Elijah (IIKg. 2:1)

The theological reasons for believing in the Assumption of Mary are twofold.

First; Mary was “immaculately conceived”.  This means she was born without the consequence of “original sin” and is exempted from the postmortem decay of the body.   She is sometimes referred to as “The Second Eve“.

Second; Mary received the fullness of grace and holiness as the mother of Jesus. Her place is with her son Jesus, the redeemer in heaven.

 

Good Lady, bearer of our good Lord,

watch over us…lead us to the safe harbor

of God’s will.

 Quote of St. John Damascene

 

August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 

 

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Feast Days, Featured, Our Lady, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Our Lady of the Snows, Feast day August 5

 

8Our Lady of the Snow

 

The Feast Day of Our Lady of the Snows is celebrated on August 5.  It is on this day the Basilica of Mary Major was dedicated.

A man by the name of John lived in the ancient city of Rome.  He and his wife were childless.  They chose to leave their fortune to Mary, the Mother of God.  Pope Liberius suggested that they pray for a sign to guide them in what she wished them to do.

On the evening of August 5, Our Lady appeared to John, his wife and the Pope asking for a church to be built in her honor on the Esquiline Hill.  John and his wife asked for a sign.   She told them:

“Snow will crown the crest of the hill.”

Although it snows only on rare occasions in Rome the snow covered the hill during the summer night of August 5, 358.  The snow fell in a pattern showing the outline of the church soon to be built.

Mary soon became known as Our Lady of the Snows.  Snow symbolizes that Mary is as ‘pure as the driven snow’.  Her many blessings may be compared to the number and variety of snowflakes.

The church built is now known as Saint Mary Major.  It has since been enlarged and restored.  Other names it has been known as are Basilica of Liberius, Saint Mary of the Crib and finally Saint Mary Major.

A statue of Our Lady of the Snows is believed to have been produced by St. Luke the Apostle.

Mary is always performing these two movements:  absorbing grace from her most holy son, and pouring it forth on sinners.

Quote of St. Anthony Mary Claret;   Feast day October 24

 

August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Basilica of St. Mary Major

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Carmelite Saints, Feast Days, Featured, Our Lady, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Feast Day July 16




Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Public Domain Image
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

The Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is celebrated by the Catholic Church on July 16. It is on this day in about 1386 that Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock. She gave him a Brown Scapular saying,

“Take, beloved son this scapular of thy order as a badge of my confraternity and for thee and all Carmelites a special sign of grace; whoever dies in this garment, will not suffer everlasting fire.”

The scapular symbolizes Mary’s protection and reminds those wearing it of the call to prayer and penance. It stands for a commitment to follow Jesus and imitate Mary as the perfect model of all disciples of Christ.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Public Domain Image
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Public Domain Image

A chapel was built near the Fountain of Elijah (northern Israel) which was dedicated to Our Lady. The hermits living there became known as the “Brothers of Mount Carmel”.  St. Simon Stock was a leader of the Carmelite Order. The Carmelites have a special devotion to Mary. Their saints and theologians have a special devotion to her and the mystery of the Immaculate Conception (the belief that Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin).  St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and St. Terese of Lisieux are well known Carmelite saints.

Mt. Carmel is located north of Jerusalem along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a well known mountainous ridge in Palestine which is covered with caves. Hermits lived in the caves, living a life of solitude and prayer. Mt. Carmel is mentioned in the Old Testament many times.

The history of the Carmelites dates back to ancient times. It is believed to have been founded by the prophets Elijah and Elisha. The Carmelite Order is a contemplative order. Their spirituality follows the contemplative spirit of Elijah, living a spiritual life of contemplation and prayer. One of their goals is to “find God in the silence’. The rule of the Carmelites was written by St. Albert Avogadro in 1214.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
The feast celebrates the appearance of Mary to St. Simon Stock.It is a special feast day for those who have a special devotion to Mary and wear the Brown Scapular. The Apparition of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was approved by Pope Sixtus V in 1587.  The feast celebrates the appearance of Mary to St. Simon Stock.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Public Domain ImageOur Lady of Mt. Carmel

Blessed is he for whom Mary prays.
Quote of St. Peter Julian Eymard; Feast day August 2
July is the Month of the Most Precious Blood.

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Faith, Our Lady, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Feast Day June 27




Our Lady of Perpetual Help Public Domain Image
Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The Feast Day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is celebrated on June 27.

Many people believe the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was originally painted by St. Luke. It is presently in the Church of St. Alphonsus under the care of the Order of Redemptorists. Numerous miracles have followed the icon.

The icon is an authentic expression of Byzantine art from ancient times. The gold background reflects God’s glory. In the portrait are Mary, the Mother of God, the Christ Child and the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Mary is gazing at the person who is looking at the icon moving everyone to love Jesus her son and Our Savior. The Christ Child is comforted in his mother’s arms. One of his sandals is almost lost indicating that we sometimes need to seek assistance in our troubles. It is Mary who protected Our Lord in his childhood. She will protect us also.


Our Lady of Perpetual Help Icon
Chapel Bydgoszcz

The Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was first venerated in Crete. Tradition tells us however, that in 1480 the icon was smuggled from Crete to Rome by a thief! The smugglers asked Mary for protection during a storm at sea and God answered their prayers. After arriving in Rome, the merchant who had stolen the icon became very ill. He asked his caretaker to return the icon to the Church. The wife of the caretaker however insisted they keep the picture for themselves after the man had died. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared several times to the man and his wife requesting that the icon be returned to a church. When she was ignored, she began appearing to their six year old daughter, requesting that the icon be placed between the Churches of St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran. Eventually, the icon was returned and enshrined at St. Matthews in 1499. St. Matthews was destroyed when Napoleon’s army invaded Rome in 1798. The icon was believed to be lost.

In 1855, The Order of Redemtorists came to Rome. They were granted possession of the land on which St. Matthew’s previously existed to build a new church. A Redemptorist priest remembered that he had learned as a young boy that the holy icon was in an Augustinian monastery near Rome. The Redemptorists petitioned the pope to allow the image to be returned to the spot the Blessed Virgin had requested that it be placed.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Public Domain Image
Our Lady of Perpetual Help

On April 26, 1866 the icon was transferred in a solemn procession to the Church of St. Alphonsus. They were given permission to spread the devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Prayer to Our Lady:

Mother of Perpetual Help, Woman of Eternal Hope, your wordless gaze tells us so much about you. Knowing eyes look upon us with tender love. The slight bend of your head reveals such maternal concern. While. your left hand supports the Child, your right hand is ready to receive us, too. Just as He feels the beating of your heart, so you encourage us to lead a life of hope and holiness. Just as His sandal will fall on your lap, through your intercession may God pick us up as we stumble and fall. Never let us be parted from you and your son, Jesus.

Lady of love, you invite us to place our hand where His fingers touch yours — near a heart of endless hope — so that we may be united often in prayer here on earth and joined forever with you in heaven.     Amen.

Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much.  You can never love her more than Jesus did.
Quote of St. Maximilian Kolbe; Feast Day August 14
June is the Month of the Sacred Heart.

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Faith, Feast Days, Featured, Our Lady, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: The Feast of the Visitation, Feast Day May 31



The Visitation Public Domain Image
The Visitation

The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin is celebrated on May 31.

We celebrate Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth while she was pregnant with Jesus. Elizabeth was six months pregnant with St. John the Baptist. When they met, the baby lept for joy in Elizabeth’s womb.

Not only the baby, but Mary and Elizabeth were filled with joy. Elizabeth tells Mary:

“Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”

Mary responds with the Magnificat which has become a beautiful hymn of praise and thanksgiving.

Magnificat
My soul does magnify the Lord:
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior
Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid:  for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He that is mighty has done great things to me: and holy is His Name.
And His mercy is from generation until generations, to them that fear Him.
He has showed might with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He has received Israel His servant, being mindful of His mercy:
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

The Visitation Public Domain Image
The Visitation

As we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation let us reflect on how important our families are to us. Imagine the joy Elizabeth and Mary shared together as they anticipated the birth of their babies! It is important that we too, give thanks to God for the many blessings he has bestowed on us and our families.

God hugs you.

Quote of St. Hildegarde of Bingen; Feast day Sept. 17

May is the Month of Our Lady

Faith, Feast Days, Featured, Our Lady

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: The Annunciation, Feast Day March 25




annunciation

 

 

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is celebrated on March 25.

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord celebrates the actual event of the Angel Gabriel visiting the Virgin Mary. He told her she would bear a son and name him Jesus. On this feast day we reflect on the humility of Mary who said yes to being the Mother of God. Just as Mary pondered what the angel told her, we too should ponder the mysteries of our faith.

The Incarnation (God becoming man) is a mystery of great importance. How wonderful that God loves us so much that he sent us his son, Jesus! Through Mary he became completely human giving us the gift of salvation. Unlike Eve who disobeyed God, Mary said yes to God’s plan for her. She trusted God, and as the mother of Jesus loved Him in a way no one else can. The love Jesus had for his mother is also something to be pondered.   It is a love like no other.

Gospel Lk 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,

“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel,

“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”

And the angel said to her in reply,

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Mary said,

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”

Then the angel departed from her.

annunciation 2
The Annunciation in Art

 

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word.”

Quote of Mary, Mother of God

 

March is the Month of St. Joseph

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