The Church calls us to turn to Mary, Mary: Day 068

The Church calls us to turn to Mary

St. Alphonsus points to the Church’s celebration of Marian feasts and devo- tions as clear evidence that she invites the faithful to turn often to Our Lady.

Blessed is he who, in the midst of these sorrows, turns often to the com- forter of the world, to the refuge of the unfortunate, to the great Mother of God, and devoutly calls upon her and invokes her! The holy Church carefully teaches us, her children, that with attention and confidence we should unceasingly turn to this loving protector. For this purpose, the Church enjoins on us a veneration unique to Mary. And not only this, but she has instituted so many festivals that are celebrated throughout the year in honor of this great queen.

The Church devotes one day in the week, in a special way, to Mary’s honor. In the prayers of the Divine Office, all clergy and religious are daily obliged to call upon her in the name of all Christians. Finally, the Church desires that all the faithful should salute this most holy Mother of God three times a day, at the sound of the Angelus bell.

To understand the confidence that the holy Church has in Mary, we need only remember this: In all public calamities, she invariably invites everyone to turn to the protection of this Mother of God, by novenas, prayers, processions, visits to the churches dedicated in her honor, and her images.

And this is what Mary desires; she wishes us always to seek her and invoke her aid. It’s not as if she were begging of us the honors and marks of veneration that the Church gives her, for they are in no way in proportion to her merit. But she desires them so that by such means our confidence and devotion may be increased, and she may be able to give us greater assistance and comfort.
—St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Do I take part enthusiastically in Marian feasts and devotions? Do I recognize that this is one way to deepen my relationship with her as my mother?

CLOSING PRAYER
From the hymn “O Sanctissima”: O most holy, O most loving, sweet Virgin Mary! Beloved mother, undefiled, pray, pray for us. You are solace and refuge, Virgin Mother Mary. Whatever we wish, we hope it through you. Pray, pray for us.

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