Radiant Dawn

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the five major feasts of Mary that receive special honor not only in the Church, but in the Marist tradition. Along with the Immaculate Conception on December 8, Mary, the Mother of the Lord on January 1, he Annunciation on March 25, and the Assumption on August 15, the birthday of Mary holds a prominent place in our Marist community life and prayer. As Jesus is the "Sun of Justice," Mary is the radiant dawn that heralds his arrival. An ancient antiphon reads, "When the most holy Virgin was born, the whole world was made radiant; blessed is the branch and blessed is the stem which bore such holy fruit." Mary's humanity is perfected by her fullness grace, not only is the door through which her Son entered our humanity to bring about our salvation, but also is the door which allows us access to this Son. Her maternal care assures us her intercession before Jesus. As a mother, she wants the best for us, and serves as the model for the behavior which is in accord with his teachings. Her special prayer is the Rosary, and tonight at 9 pm the Knights of Columbus thoughout the country will be praying the rosary in parish churches. Locally, it will be at St. Monica's. Join us there or pray with us from your home.
Bro. Rene