God desires that we give Him all of our love and adoration.

In the first reading, there is something most impressive about St. Peter as reflected by how he has clearly grasped what Christ meant when He instructed His followers to “Love one another, as I have loved you.” Jesus did not say “I love you as a mother loves a child,” and He did not say, “I love you the way a husband loves his wife.” If we know Jesus, we understand that He is filled with wisdom, truth, holiness, devotion, sacrifice, power and many other traits. Yet, He chooses to summarize it for us quite simply by saying, “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.”

That really says it all, doesn’t it? It all seems so simple, but we know what kind of an effort real love requires.

That is the effort we are called to put forth. Obviously, one could do an entire reflection on what this love means, what it entails, but it has a much greater depth than just talking about it. We have to do something with love: “Love,” like “stewardship” implies action.

Our St. Vincent de Paul Society know this.

May Is The Month of Mary

The tradition of dedicating the month of May to Mary really came about in the 13th century. Devotion to Mary is an important part of the Catholic identity. As our mother she is an example of a committed “Yes” to the will of God. Because of this devotion to her many people ask her for help in the most difficult moments of their life as any child does with his mother.

The actual reason is the fact that this month is the time when spring is at the height of its beauty. Spring is also connected with nature renewing itself. In her way, Mary gave new life to the world when she gave birth to our savior Jesus Christ.

The pious practice of honoring Mary during the month of May has been especially promoted by the Popes. Pius XII made frequent reference to it in his great Encyclical on the Sacred Liturgy Mediator Dei. In it, he clearly characterized it as one of the:

“other exercises of piety which although not strictly belonging to the Sacred Liturgy, are nevertheless of special import and dignity, and may be considered in a certain way to be an addition to the liturgical cult: they have been approved and praised over and over again by the Apostolic See and by the Bishops.”

We honor our Mother Mary in May by:

Our “May Crowning” at the 9:30am Mass on Sunday as well as by praying the Rosary before all Masses at the parish. We also honor our SVdP Jubilarians at this very special Mass.

Next Week is Ascension Sunday and is also Mothers’ Day, And Pentecost is May 19th.

Fr. Kilian, our retired clergy, our Deacons and great Parish Staff, Disciples and Volunteers.

BACK TO LIST BACK