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Olivia M. Bannan

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD



A reading of the holy Gospel according to Lk 2:16-21


The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.


REFLECTION

And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.



Has Mary, the Mother of God, had a miraculous effect on your life? She has for me.


Twenty years ago, for three months I did not know where my son was. All my contacts dried up. There was no where else to turn, no more clues.


One Saturday morning, I found myself in a little adoration chapel at 3 am pleading, crying, despairing and begging for mercy about a situation I had no control. And I laid it all there for help.


In the quiet of that morning, my thoughts spoke so loudly that I got a strong urge to go to Medjugorje (in Croatia, formally Yugoslavia).


And off I went traveling by myself to visit with the Mother of God. Emptying myself in order to make room for God's graces, I attended every mass that I could, fasted, went to confession, recited rosaries and kept the Lord company at daily adoration. All was in the Lord's hands; My faith and my hope.


The day after I got back to Houston, my mother asked me to buy her a certain special red embroidery thread.


Several hours later, I was home bound with my mother's treasure in my bag.


God answers prayers when least expected. Guess who I saw walking down the main country road on my way home?


My son! Praise the Lord and alleluia!!


Mother Mary intervened for me to her Son. Through graces received, I can shout out that Mary has been with me on rough days, sad days, and days of unrest.


She always is with her Son. She has a decisive influence in our lives. Those of us who have found her, can see her intervention behind every problem. She intercedes continually for us.


She lives in the Marian chapel of my soul. She is our Mother whose love is everlasting.


Like St John, take Mary, the Advocate, Help, Perpetual Succour and Mediatrix home with you. (Second Vatican Council, op cit, 62). She will get us closer to Jesus. Closer to our eternal home.


PRAYER BY ST ALPHONSU LIGUORI


Most holy Virgin Immaculate, my Mother Mary, to you who are the Mother of my Lord, the Queen of the Universe, the Advocate, the hope, the refuge of sinners, I who am the most miserable of all sinners, have recourse this day. I venerate you, great queen, and I thank you for the many graces you have bestowed upon me even unto this day;

I love you, my dearest Lady; and because of that love, I promise to serve you willingly for ever and to do what I can to make you loved by others also.

I place in you all my hopes for salvation; accept me as your servant and shelter me under your mantle, you who are the Mother of Mercy. And since you are so powerful with God, deliver me from all temptations, or at least obtain for me the strength to overcome them until death.

From you I implore a true love for Jesus Christ. Through you I hope to die a holy death. My dear Mother, by your love for Almighty God, I pray you to assist me always, but most of all at the last moment of my life. Forsake me not then, until you shall see me safe in heaven, there to bless you and sing of your mercies through all eternity. Such is my hope. Amen


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

God bless you

Thank you, Mother Mary, Mother of God



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