by Mary Ann Zimmerman
Our mothers have sacrificed for us from the day we were born. They would do anything to keep you safe. They protect us, teach us to be people of faith, and the list goes on. Today, you mother prays for you, whether living or from heaven. They want only the best for you. Am I right? Of course! With Mother’s Day approaching on May 14th, you are wondering how you can show your mom a special day. Cards, flowers, a special dinner at a restaurant (standing in line forever) and so forth? How about having a Mass said for your mom? The graces she receives from such a gift are immeasurable.
There is another mother that cares for you, too. You guessed it, holy Mother Mary. May 13th commemorates Our Lady of Fatima when she appeared to three shepherd children. You know the message is to pray the rosary every day. Our spiritual mother is available to us 24/7 365 days a year. She leads us to her Divine Son, Jesus. She walks with us on our journey of faith, helping us to persevere with the struggles of life. Satan fears her because God has given Mary the power over him. She WILL triumph against him. Satan is doing everything he can to destroy our relationship with Mary and her Divine Son. DON’T LET HIM. Stay close to Mary through the devotion of her Immaculate Heart. Pray the rosary, attend daily Mass when you can, pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet especially at the holy hour of mercy, 3 pm, for those who are dying.
Those who attend five consecutive First Saturdays with the intention of making reparation for the blasphemies made against her Immaculate Heart receive a plenary indulgence. Go to confession, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary and keep Mary company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. This manual, available in the gift shop, will give you the history of this devotion as well as the instructions.
Pray Hope and Don't Worry. Padré Pio