“As mariners are guided into port by the shining of a star, so Christians are guided to heaven by Mary.” – St. Thomas Aquinas

Prayer for the Faithful at St. Francis Chapel

O Mother of Jesus, whose intercession strengthens the Church, conserve, increase and make fruitful this congregation at St. Francis Chapel. O Mary, you care for the brethren of your Son with a mother’s love; watch with maternal charity over all who rejoice today to be part of this family. Sustain our priests in their apostolate, protect travelers on their journeys, guide students who seek truth, heal the sick and afflicted, and be a bulwark for all the faithful who gather at this chapel in living out their vocations at home and in the marketplace. Blessed Mother, who have already reached the perfection of grace, mercifully pray for us that by the merits of your Son we shall increase in faith, hope and love till the consummation of heaven. Amen.

Reflection

For centuries the Polish people have venerated Our Lady of Czestochowa at the Jasna Gora Monastery. She is considered the Queen and Protectress of Poland. The icon of Our Lady in Czestochowa is painted in such a way as to show Our Lady pointing toward her Son who sits at her side. In this way Our Lady is pointing away from herself and toward her Son who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. This is what the Blessed Virgin always does, she welcomes her children into her heart only so she can then send them to Jesus, their true Redeemer. Mary is the first and most perfect disciple who has followed the Way of Jesus.

Resolution

Today, make a special effort, perhaps even a local pilgrimage, to call upon Our Lady in her role as protectress. Ask that she protect her children from the virus.