Dear Parishioners:
Pope Francis is encouraging every family to pray the Rosary during the month of May. He stated: “The month of May is approaching, a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family. The restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this “family” aspect, also from a spiritual point of view.”
In a Letter for the Month of May, published on the feast of St Mark the Evangelist (25 April), the Holy Father is proposing to everyone to “rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May”, whether individually or as a group, “making the most of both opportunities”.
In his letter, he assures the faithful that he too will be reciting those prayers throughout the month of May, “in spiritual union with all of you as contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary our Mother will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial”.
Pope Francis concludes his letter with the promise that he is praying for all of us “especially those suffering most greatly”; and he asks for our prayers as well. The Holy Father also proposes two new prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which can be recited at the end of the Rosary. The First Prayer is:
“O Mary, You shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the foot of the cross, were united with Jesus’ suffering, and persevered in your faith. ‘Protectress of the Roman people’, you know our needs, and we know that you will provide, so that, as at Cana in Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us. For he took upon himself our suffering, and burdened himself with our sorrows to bring us, through the cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen. We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God; Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always
from every danger, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.”
I invite to heed the words of our Holy Father and pray the Rosary daily during May. If every there was a time for us to pray the Rosary it is now. Together as families and as individuals let us pray for an end to the pandemic: for those who suffer: for the dying and the dead: and for those who care for them. Let us together turn to our Blessed Mother seeking her aid.
The great spiritual writer Dom Columba Marmion, once said: “Have you not often met poor old women who are most faithful to the pious recitation of the Rosary? You also must do all that you can to recite it with fervor. Get right down, at the feet of Jesus: it is a good thing to make oneself small in the presence of so great a God.”
Please be sure to join us every Monday night at 7:00PM for the livestreaming of May Devotions. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed as we devoutly pray the Rosary as a parish family. So set the time and tune in on Mondays at 7:00PM. Together as a praish family let ask our patroness, Our Lady of Mercy, for her powerful intercession for our world and our own intentions. After all, the family that prays together, stays together even when separated by “social distancing”.
The great tradition of the Rosary traces its roots to St. Dominic in the 12th Century when he was distressed in his preaching in countering the Albigensian heretics. In his desperation, Dominic turned to Mother Mary for help. She appeared and urged him to use the mysteries of our salvation as an instrument in combatting the great heresy of his day. Remember that Rosaries are not just decorations. Battles have been won because people prayed the Rosary! Hearts converted, illnesses cured and even some impossible intentions answered. Life can only be blessed if we start praying the Rosary. So take up your beads, take the time daily and pray the Rosary!
St. Josemaria Escriva teaches us that: “The holy Rosary is a powerful weapon. Use it with confidence and you’ll be amazed at the results.” Pray the Rosary! Be well. Do Good! Stay safe! God Bless. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!