May, the month of Mary
This year, Pope Francis has asked that we use the Marian month of May to pray for an end to the coronavirus. Organized by the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, thirty of the major Marian Shrines around the world have agreed to encourage the faithful to pray for this cause.
For many centuries, the month of May has been dedicated to the honor of Mary, the mother of Christ. As far back as the 13th century, leaders of the church have used the month to ask her intercession for a given need. Some have asked her prayers for peace, or relief from disasters. St. John Paul II used the month of May to promote the rosary for families. Devotion to the Blessed Mother is strong among Catholic Christians. Some may not understand; so here are some things to consider:
- Asking the saints to intercede for us is similar to asking friends and parishioners pray for someone we know who is sick or in need of prayer. We are all part of a community we call “church” and praying to God for others is part of the role of the church. When we die, we do not stop being part of the church. Although we may no longer be in this world, we remain a part of the communion of the faithful and we still are able to pray for one another. Asking the prayers of the saints is to recognize that they lived by faith in Christ. As friends of Jesus, may they ask him to give us what we truly need. Yet, why is there so much emphasis on Mary?
- Mary is unique among the saints. There are many saints who were martyrs, apostles, bishops, religious sisters, teachers, etc. However, Mary is the only saint who is the mother of Jesus. That in itself sets her apart from the rest of humanity. Her yes to God is the ultimate example of how all of us are called to respond to God. Without her personal cooperation, Jesus would not have become the Son of Man. That is her unique role in our salvation. She points the way to Christ. She is the mother of the Church. Devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus, is devotion to Jesus himself. There is much we can learn about loving God by contemplating Mary and her life.
- Everything we say about Mary honors her son, Jesus Christ. It does not take away from him. During the month of May, we honor Mary for her role in bringing Christ to our world. It is a time of reflection and prayer. Our prayers, united with hers, are indeed powerful. She wants only what Christ, her son, wants; the will of God. Pray for an end to the coronavirus. May Christ hear our prayer united to the prayer of His mother, and may he send us His mercy.
Father Jeff
Save the date!
Our beautiful Saint Teresa of Calcutta statue will be dedicated on Sunday, September 5, 2021. The statue is an original work by acclaimed sculptor, Timothy P. Schmalz. Stay tuned for details about the dedication!
