“To succeed in your intentions, entrust yourselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary always, but especially in moments of difficulty and darkness. From Mary we learn to surrender to God in things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ, her Son and the Son of God… Learn from her to be always faithful, to trust that God’s Word to you will be fulfilled, and that nothing is impossible with God.” – Pope St. John Paul II
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
Faith is very often dark. There are many times in the pilgrimage of life that we are plagued with doubt and temptations to despair. Our Lady is not a stranger to this fight. The ultimate test of darkness was the crucifixion, but Our Lady stood by Christ like a pillar. She was never broken but maintained her faith to the very end. In all moments of the pilgrimage of faith that is our life we have Our Lady’s hand to take into ours and stand firm through the storms.
Resolution
Read and reflect on the characteristics of faith from the Catechism