“She is the highest woman and the noblest gem in Christianity after Christ . . . She is nobility, wisdom, and holiness personified. We can never honor her enough. Still honor and praise must be given to her in such a way as to injure neither Christ nor the Scriptures.” – Martin Luther
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
When Our Lady appeared at Knock, Ireland in 1879 she did so accompanied by St. Joseph, St. John and the Lamb of God. Mary spoke no words but silently remained in adoration of the Lamb, a symbol of the Eucharistic sacrifice. Her witness on this occasion was not to bring words but more powerfully to show the world the need for silent adoration. Silence has a spiritual power that moves hearts to receive the grace of God in unimagined ways.
Resolution
Are you able to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament today, or sometime in the next week? Do so and bring all of your family and friends with you to the altar and to the Lamb of God, slain yet risen.