May 1

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

May of each year is the month dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is fitting that it should be so. Since Christmas when we celebrated the birth of Jesus her Son, the main focus in the liturgy since has been on Jesus, recalling he mysteries of His childhood and youthhood, the years of His teaching and preaching, the days of His passion, death and resurrection. His mother has been all through these seasons His devoted disciple, although it has not been told she may have been His housekeeper at His residence in Capharnaum in the time of his public ministry. Whatever the case the Christian instinct has led His followers to take a time to consider, reflect upon and to ponder the gifts, the life and labors, the privileges of this very special, highly honored and deeply revered individual whom the Father chose to be the mother of the Word made flesh. She holds an honored place in the hearts of the faithful followers of her Son. They honor her with many titles. They seek her intercession in times of trouble and need. They look up to her as model and pattern in their efforts to lead a truly Christian life. And there is more. Let me conclude with a verse from The May Magnificat by Gerald Manley Hopkins:

Well but there was more than this:

Spring's universal bless

Much, had much to say

To offering Mary May.

In Christ and Our Heavenly Mother,

Michael Lapierre, S.J.

* Fr. Michael Lapierre, S.J., and the editor John Cheng are currently taking part in this monthly column. While the former is writing in January, March, and May, etc., the latter is doing so in February, April and June, etc. As usual, we take July and August as our summer holidays. The background hymn is a version of "Immaculate Mary". Thank you.