Beloved:
So…can we ever have too many months dedicated to Mary? Growing up, I was aware early on of the fact that May is a “month of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” May crownings occurred annually—both at our home parish of Saint Jude in Chalfont, Bucks County Pennsylvania, and in our backyard. Having three sisters provided an endless supply of potential May queens. A little later in life, I learned that October is specifically dedicated to the Holy Rosary, a Christo-Marian prayer (my meaning here being that Christ is at the center, meditated on through the lens of the heart of Mary).
In actuality, it is a traditional Catholic custom to sanctify each month of the year with special devotional practices. So, for example, June is the month of the Sacred Heart and July, the month of the Precious Blood of Jesus. If one includes the month of the Holy Family, February, then Mary figures into six of twelve. August, then, is the month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Roman Missal (in vernacular, the “official guidebook for praying the Mass”), provides specific orations—or prayers—for a votive Mass for the Immaculate Heart. Having just celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption, and being a church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, some individuals, perhaps even some Catholics, may be inclined to ask if we are giving too much attention to the Blessed Mother.
I believe it is safe to say that Jesus Christ does not feel “threatened.” Knowing how much it means to me, when over the years people have spoken words of honor and respect for my earthly mother, I am led to believe Jesus, to whom we address in prayer continuously, is pleased when we honor His Mother, who of course directs us: “Do whatever He tells you!” Their hearts are in perfect rhythm. What say we work to bring our hearts into more full alignment to theirs.
I am excited to share that a group of parishioners is working on a project to enhance the documentation and sharing of the rich architectural and decorative elements of our church building (you may recall a blurb in the bulletin calling for participants). When I recently passed through the parish hall where they were meeting, I was delighted to see what a cross-section of individuals are involved, including some parishioners for whom this may be a first formal opportunity to connect and offer their gifts outside of Mass assembly. That ought to stir any pastor’s heart!!
This marks the last weekend of summer recess for a great many students and teachers. Some among us have heard me say that, growing up, I was never eager to return to the classroom—and I can honestly say that our mom and dad did not do cartwheels at the mention of our impending daily absence from the home. That said, I am super-psyched for the new school year at Saint Mary. I include the upcoming kickoff of catechesis parish-wide in that statement. There is so much Spirit energy flowing, and I am convicted that the Lord is calling us as a parish team of ministers and me, as Pastor, to step up our game in being present and involved, not only while our young people are on the parish campus, but more zealously supporting families in living the vitality of Faith at home and everywhere.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
