Dear Friends,

 

May is such a wonderful month for the Church. Traditionally we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary during May by a renewed emphasis on praying the Rosary and celebrating May crowning. Many people tend to be confused about the Catholic traditions surrounding the Blessed Virgin Mary. Some even suggest that Catholics worship the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is not true. Mary is honored as the Mother of God and the first disciple of Jesus. Mary’s “yes” to God’s plan of salvation for the world gave us the gift of Jesus Christ or Savior. This is why we honor her.

 

Some of my most cherished memories as a child are of praying the Rosary together as a family. Our family had a special prayer space in our “good living room” where we placed our family’s statue of Mary. The smells of Lilacs and Roses filled the air from the fresh cut flowers that were carefully placed by Mary. As a child, I knew that we relied upon Mary to help us, to pray for us and to show us the way to Jesus. For me Mary reminded me of my Grandmothers who were often asked to pray for our family too.  She was someone we turned to who helped us on our way to become a Holy Family.  I remember as a child that our family was challenged with my older brother Dennis’ Crones disease that nearly caused his death. Back then not much was known about the disease. I know that we dedicated many hours of prayers for him to God through the Blessed Virgin Mary. These prayers were answered for us as they were able to save him from death and have given him a long, blessed life.

 

Perhaps you, your family or friends may consider making a special place in this month of May for honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. Dedicate prayers for our nation as we prepare for our national elections, pray for vocations to priesthood and religious life, or offer prayers for those in your family who need them – the sick, dying, or spiritually lost. Mary, our mother will help us as a good mother always does, by comforting us and helping us along the way of life.

 

Fr. Todd