“Mary seeks for those who approach her devoutly and with reverence, for such she loves, nourishes, and adopts as her children.” – Saint Bonaventure
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
Ven. Bruno Lanteri comments on the holiness of Mary:
“Notice also, how the Church calls on the Holy Virgin Mary. As the Church Triumphant chants to God: Sanctus ,Sanctus, Sanctus; so, the Church Militant invokes Mary: Sancta Maria, Sancta Dei Genitrix, Sancta Virgo Virginum. The Church proclaims her Holy, Holy, Holy, that is, holy in name, holy in vocation and holy in deed. Hence, her holiness is said to be analogous to the holiness of God. This is because the sanctity of Mary far surpasses any other sanctity and is the most similar to the holiness of God.”
Resolution
Pray the Sanctus (Holy,Holy,Holy) as at Mass in honor of the Trinity.