His words "Totus tuus ego sum” became well known in the last few decades, when they were taken by Pope St. John Paul II as his papal motto. The sainted Pope dedicated his papacy entirely to Mary, and encouraged members of the Church to turn to her as well.
In the Gospel today, the Lord says, “I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” Having been sent by the Father, Jesus comes into a world that is fallen and in the spiritual darkness of sin. It is sometimes difficult to believe, and to remain committed disciples of the Lord. It is difficult to follow him amidst so many worldly temptations.
Well, today’s Saint, would say, let Mary help you believe. Give yourself to Mary. She loved Jesus more than anyone in history. She will help you love him too. The greater our doubts, the more we should turn to Mary for help. The greater our temptations, the more we should turn to Mary.
When from the Cross, the Lord said, “behold your mother”, he meant more than just keeping her picture on our mantle. He wants us to study her, to imitate her, to hold her in our hearts as he did. For she will help us in the Christian way like no other.
In his book “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”, which John Paul II carried with him and read often, Saint Louis wrote, “Mary is the fruitful Virgin, and in all the souls in which she comes to dwell she causes to flourish purity of heart and body, rightness of intention and abundance of good works. Do not imagine that Mary, the most fruitful of creatures who gave birth to a God, remains barren in a faithful soul. It will be she who makes the soul live incessantly for Jesus Christ, and will make Jesus live in the soul”.
St. Louie’s feast prepares us well for the upcoming month of May, dedicated to our Lady, in which we are to increase the fervor of our Marian devotion, that the abundant life of Christ might increase in us and willingly be spread by us for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
For deeper Marian devotion amongst all Christians, that the Church may more deeply share in Mary’s Easter joy in the Resurrection of her Son.
That through Immaculate Mary, Queen of Peace, hatred, violence, and cruelty will diminish, and purity, righteousness and faith may increase.
For those whose hearts are hardened against or cold toward Our Lady, that they may come to know her great maternal love for them, for the Church, and all mankind.
That the sick may draw strength, consolation, and healing by turning to Our Lady, Mediatrix of Grace and Help of the Afflicted.
That all of our beloved dead and all the souls in purgatory may come to the glory of the Resurrection.
O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the desires of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our lord.
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