As Mother’s Day approaches, we think of our mothers both living and deceased. Similarly, we are called to think about Our Heavenly Mother, Mary. During the May Crowning Service we will have the opportunity to present a carnation to Mary.
Not long ago on Good Friday, we heard the Passion account from the Gospel of John. In that Gospel, from the Cross, Jesus says: “Woman Behold Your Son.” And “Son Behold Your Mother.” We hear from that time onward, John took her into his home. Similarly, all of us are called to take Our Heavenly Mother into the homes of our hearts. Hopefully, many of us will answer this call to honor Our Heavenly Mother by coming to our Parish May Crowning this Sunday.
Beginning on May 13, 1917 to October 13, 1917, Our Blessed Mother appeared to 3 shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal on 6 separate occasions. During these 6 apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, Our Blessed Mother gave us a peace plan for planet earth and for our individual lives: 1) offer your daily duty to God as a prayer; 2) wear the brown scapular as a sign of your consecration to Mary, and 3) pray a 5-decade rosary every day. If we do this, we will have peace in our world and in our individual lives.
Certainly, this is a timely message as we pray for peace in Iran, Lebanon, Israel, Ukraine and throughout the world. Back in 1917, people responded to Our Lady’s requests and World War 1 came to an end.
Sometimes the wars are not just in foreign countries or on our streets in the United States. Sometimes, we may feel “the war” within ourselves in our own personal struggles. It is interesting to note that in all 6 apparitions, Our Blessed Mother requests that we pray a 5-decade rosary every day. In the final apparition of October 13, 1917, which included the miracle of the sun, the Blessed Mother identified herself as the “Lady of the Rosary.”
Together let us honor our Heavenly Mother and heed her requests.
