God-bearer. Conceived free from the stain of original sin. Pure virgin and perfect mother. Preserved from the corruption of actual sin and death. Assumed body and soul into paradise. Crowned Queen of Heaven and earth.
What will be our "crowning" achievement? In this month in which we celebrate the Feast of the Queenship of Mary (on Aug. 22), this is not an unreasonable question to ask ourselves.
Each June, we celebrate the Sacred and the Immaculate Hearts on two separate feasts. But the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart always comes the Friday before the Saturday celebration of the Immaculate Heart.
Stephen Murphy of Morgantown, West Virginia, wanted to join the Marian Fathers, but crippling debt and chronic illness blocked his path. So, he prayed a couple of 30-day novenas to St. Joseph. Saint Joseph didn't disappoint.
Last month, we talked about mercy, the ninth of the Blessed Virgin Mary's Evangelical Virtues. This month, we address Mary's tenth Evangelical Virtue: sorrow or compassion.
Last month, we talked about patience, the eighth of the Blessed Virgin Mary's Evangelical Virtues. This month, we address Mary's ninth Evangelical Virtue: mercy.
No created person suffered more patiently than the Blessed Mother. While the world craves instant gratification, she shows us the way to patient endurance.
