“Always stay close to this Heavenly Mother, because she is the sea to be crossed to reach the shores of Eternal Splendor.” –Saint Padre Pio
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
The journey to Heaven is not an easy one. The road is rough; it is full of dangers and difficulties. Mary passed it and succeeded. She has assisted many of her children whom the Church has recognized as saints. Through the assistance Our Mother Mary, we will surely succeed. Let us then learn from her some qualities that brought her success: patience and meditation of the word of God to seek clarity, absolute trust in God and constant prayer.
Resolution
In the midst of our numerous distractions, especially from the social media, meditate on the gains of heaven . (Isaiah 26:3: Psalm 119:2, 1 Peter 5:8)