July 26 2018 - Saints Joachim and Anne - Role of Grandparents

At one time, July 26 was the feast of St. Anne only, and devotion to St. Anne goes back to the early centuries of the Church; in the year 550, a basilica in her honor was dedicated in Constantinople.  It is only recently, with the new calendar that the two feasts of the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary have been joined.

In addition to being honored as the parents of the Mother of Our Lord, Saints Joachim and Anne are the patron saints of grandparents.  It’s good today, then, to reflect on the role that grandparents play within the Church.  Some grandchildren are blessed to grow up near their grandparents, while others because of distance only get to spend time with their grandparents a few times a year.  Given the culture of the Holy Land, it’s likely that Jesus spent considerable time with His grandparents, even if they didn’t live in the same town.  They undoubtedly were a source of great human affection and examples of Jewish piety and devotion. Jesus showed honor and respect to Joachim and Anne, and today we do the same.

I think of my own grandparents, who for many years on Sunday, when my parents worked late the night before, would drive miles out of their way to pick me up for Sunday Mass. I may have mentioned before, that I don’t know if I would have discovered my priestly vocation, without my grandparents.  The role of grandparents today is paramount in an age where there is a growing laxity in the practice of the faith: great effort is made for vacation, sports & leisure, but little effort is expended to pursue holiness. Grandparents can help to ensure that the Tradition and Faith is passed on to the younger generations, and help to guide their own children in responsible Christian parenting.

Grandparents, when you know there is something lacking in your children’s and grandchildren’s religious practice, don’t be afraid to remind your families of the importance of faith and prayer by your words and example.  When the grandkids come over, pray a rosary before the television goes on in the evening, make sure that prayers are said before family meals, teach the traditions, instill the faith.

On these feast of the grandparents, we’re reminded of grandparent’s special role and responsibility in forming the generations to come.  Through the prayers of Saints Joachim and Anne may we all come to a deeper knowledge of the role we have in spreading the Faith for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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In gratitude for the example of faith and the role of grandparents in the Church, we pray to the Lord.

For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, and a strengthening of all marriages.

That our young people on summer vacation may be protected from all physical and spiritual harm, shielded from the errors and perversions of the world, and kept in closeness to God through prayer and virtue.

For Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of July: That priests, who experience fatigue and loneliness in their pastoral work, may find help and comfort in their intimacy with the Lord and in their friendship with their brother priests.

For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, for all those recovering from or undergoing surgery today, and for the consolation of the dying.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord

September 08 2017 - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - A day of joy and hope

Today, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin arrives on the Liturgical Calendar exactly nine months after the Feast of her Immaculate Conception.  Nine months, the term of a pregnancy….not a coincidence.
Mary was conceived through the natural marital embrace of her parents, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim.  She was brought to term and was born like any of us, though, through that special grace from God she was preserved from any stain of original sin.

The day the daughter of Anne and Joachim was born ranks as one of the most beautiful in human history, yet, nothing explicitly is recorded or known about Mary’s birth.  In fact, according to certain traditions, no one in the small town of Nazareth where Saints Joachim and Anne lived paid heed to the new arrival. Although the blood of David flowed in her veins, although she was the virgin about whom Isaiah prophesied.  She truly had humble beginnings.  Yet, though her birth went unnoticed by her countrymen, one Church Father said that the angels could not find adequate praises to express their joy to the Blessed Trinity for having created this most beautiful of creatures.

The Immaculate Mother came into the world at a time when many of God’s people had lost hope in a Messiah, just as many have lost sight of Christ the Sun in our modern day.  Sometimes God waits until we are on the brink of the abyss before extending His hand of mercy. I know a priest who is very fond of the saying, “the night is always darkest, right before the dawn”.

Saint Thomas of Villanova explained in sermon that Mary is the heavenly dawn, not only for the world, but especially for each individual soul. The birth of Mary initiated a new era in human history. And when an individual begins to grow in their devotion to the Blessed Mother, that can signal a new beginning for them.

Mary will help any soul find her Son. Mary will help any soul develop a burning love for her Son. So just as we celebrate the birthday of our earthly mothers, with great sentiment, today is a day for all Christians to celebrate our Spiritual Mother, our mother in the Order of Grace.

The Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin fills our hearts with hope and joy: hope and joy in her presence with the Church for all ages, hope and joy that all those who turn to her aid will find salvation through Her Son, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For deeper Marian devotion amongst all Christians, that through her our faith may be strengthened and our witness may shine more brightly.

For all mothers, that they may find in Mary the example and strength to carry out their vocation of love, and that all sorrowful mothers may know the consolation and peace of God.

That through Immaculate Mary, Queen of Peace, hatred, violence, and cruelty will cease in the world.
That through Mary, Our Lady of Grace, all those who have fallen into sin may return to God through sincere repentance.

That from the moment of conception all children will be preserved from bodily harm; for the overturning of unjust laws permitting the destruction of innocent life; and that the minds of all may be enlightened to know the dignity of every human life.  We pray to the Lord.

That the sick may draw strength, consolation, and healing by turning to Mary, who intercedes for us from her place in heaven, especially all those affected by natural disaster. We pray to the Lord.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. We pray.

We pray, O Lord our God, that the Virgin Mary, who merited to bear God and man in her chaste womb, may commend the prayers of your faithful in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.